The police in Kiribati will investigate the sinking of MV Butiraoi, the inter island vessel which sank in January claiming at least 80 lives.
The Kiribati Independent reported the government had referred the findings of a commission of inquiry to the police.
President Taneti Maamau told parliament this week that police would investigate those alleged to have been involved in the sinking.
The Butiraoi left from the atoll of Nonouti travelling to Tarawa but never arrived.
Just seven survivors were found.
A commission of inquiry was set up within a fortnight but its report has only recently gone to parliament and remains secret, which the MP from Nonouti, Sir Ieremia Tabai, has criticised.