Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has sent a message of condolence on behalf of the Fijian Government and Fijian people to all those who have lost loved ones and friends aboard the MV Butiraoi in Kiribati.
Bainimarama says it is a tragedy for a nation the size of Kiribati, and the thoughts and prayers of every Fijian are with them at this time.
He says Fiji was able to render whatever assistance it could with the rescue effort, and Fiji also stands ready to provide whatever assistance Kiribati may need with the investigation into the sinking.
Bainimarama says this tragedy has struck a deep chord with Fijians and other Pacific Islanders.
He says they are acutely aware of the vulnerability of all in the vast stretches of ocean that separate the islands, and they must all work together to ensure that the means of transport across the seas meet the highest safely standards.
The aerial search for survivors of the Kiribati ferry disaster was been called off last Friday with at least 80 people feared dead.
