Kiribati's Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Butiraoi says it needs to conduct further investigations before it can release its findings to the public.
A lifeboat of survivors from the MV Butiraoi Photo: supplied
More than 80 people lost their lives when the ferry sank at the end of January.
Commissioner Moneteti Taake said key people had been spoken to, including the seven survivors.
He said the Commission wanted to hear from the Kiribati Oil company regarding allegations the government had directed the vessel to deliver petrol.
Mr Taake said the commission's hearing, which is in i-Kiribati, is open to the public and the media.