The Kiribati parliament has been told that people who died on MV Butiraoi in January have not been officially recorded as dead yet.
Some of the seven survivors shortly after being rescued Photo: Facebook/ @RadioKiribati
This was revealed by Sir Ieremia Tabai, an MP from Nonouti Island, when he asked the government who was responsible for recording the deaths.
Justice Minister Natan Teewe said the law did not specifically explain procedures related to this case, however, individual families were responsible for their own family members.
More than 80 people lost their lives when the ferry sank at the end of January
Sir Ieremia said he inquired with the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages and was told that none of the people on Butiraoi had been registered there.
Each family would need to confirm the deaths in court so the death certificates could be issued, the MP said.
This would help the families move on, Sir Ieremia said.
The justice ministry would look into the matter, Mr Teewe said.