The Kiribati Marine Division says the formal search for passengers of the MV Butiraoi has been suspended after the ferry sank over two weeks ago.
Radio NZ reports a spokesman said the decision was made in conjunction with Rescue Coordination Centres in Fiji and New Zealand after covering a wide area both from the air and the sea.
The aerial search was suspended on Friday.
He confirmed reports the MV Butiraoi was carrying up to 30 tonnes of coconuts in addition to more than 80 passengers.
The investigation is ongoing and expected to take more than a week.
Source: RadioNZ
