https://edition.cnn.com/australia/live-news/new-zealand-volcano-live-intl-hnk/in...


23 min ago
Royal Caribbean had cruise passengers at the volcano, says it is "devastated" by eruption

From CNN's Eric Cheung

More than 30 passengers from the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line were believed to have been on the island when the volcano erupted.

In a statement to CNN, the cruise company said it was "devastated" and working with local authorities.

Read the statement:

    "We are devastated by today’s events and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.
    We are working together with local authorities, and we are providing all the help and care we can to our guests and their families, including offering medical resources and counseling. We are also sending staff members from both our ship and our Sydney and Auckland offices to assist family members however possible.
    Ovation of the Seas will remain in port as long as needed to assist with the situation."




Scott Morrison
✔
@ScottMorrisonMP

A terrible tragedy is unfolding in NZ after the volcano eruption on Whakaari/White Island.
Australians have been caught up in this terrible event and we are working to determine their wellbeing.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50708727

A volcano has erupted in New Zealand, leaving five dead and several unaccounted for, police have said.

Tourists were seen walking inside the crater of White Island volcano just moments before the eruption.

Police said 23 people had been rescued, but warned conditions were hampering the operation. The New Zealand military is now helping police.

White Island, also known as Whakaari, is one of the country's most active volcanoes.

Despite that, the privately-owned island is a tourist destination with frequent day tours and scenic flights available.

In a police briefing, Deputy Police Commissioner John Tims said due to the risks, emergency services were not able to access the island.

Therefore how many people remain there is unclear, but he added that "both New Zealand and overseas tourists" were believed to be involved. Police had previously said fewer than 50 people were on the island.

He said the five people who died were "rescued from the island earlier that day".
What happened at the volcano?

The eruption of White Island began around 14:11 local time (01:11 GMT).

Visitor Michael Schade - who was on a boat leaving the island after a morning tour - filmed a thick plume of ash and smoke as the volcano erupted.

I always thought there were sign of an eruption with Volcanos     they didnt suddenly explode....apparently not.....

goes to show never take anything for granted.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50715047
    26 minutes ago


New Zealand police have confirmed that five people died and eight are missing after White Island volcano erupted on Monday as tourists visited.

Thirty-four people survived, with 31 of them still receiving treatment in hospital. At least one Briton is among those missing or injured.

The casualties include tourists from Australia, the US, China and Malaysia.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she shared the "unfathomable grief" of those who had lost loved ones.

In a press conference on Tuesday morning, she said further rescue efforts were now "very sadly a recovery operation".

A naval ship is due to approach the uninhabited island, which has yet to be searched because of the risks to rescuers.

Plumes of smoke and ash continued to rise above the island after daybreak on Tuesday.


Tourists had been seen walking inside the crater of White Island volcano moments before it erupted.

    The privately owned volcano that is always active
    In pictures: White Island eruption
    New Zealand profile

White Island, also called Whakaari, is the country's most active volcano. Despite that, the privately owned island is a tourist destination with frequent day tours and scenic flights available.

Fuzzball wrote on Dec 10^th, 2019 at 7:44am:



I agree  the news says there were activity signs....I would say even those in control of the tours  should be investigated.......to see people walking in the crater makes me shudder.... they wouldnt have stood a chance...NZ being NZ where really nothing is stable....its amazing the govt didnt recommend closure for the time being.....

Fuzzball wrote on Dec 10^th, 2019 at 7:44am:


Between 10,000 & 20,000 people visit it every year -
It's a huge money making attraction.

I would say that money was given a higher
priority than safety.

Gordon wrote on Dec 10^th, 2019 at 8:51am:




thank you gordon.....

those rescued looked like thos running from 9/11....only this was redhot ash.......they must be in agony..

Captain Nemo wrote on Dec 10^th, 2019 at 10:57am:



Yet  some scientists say that there is no  such
thing as an extinct or dormant volcano.
They will erupt again.