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11 December: We have crafted a follow-on piece which answers the questions we ask at the end of this piece: Update: Ovation of the Seas & White Island Volcano - Warnings had been issued.
Five Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas passengers have been confirmed dead and a number are still missing following the volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island. The Ovation of the Seas was making a port of call visit at nearby Tauranga and approximately 30 passengers and guides were on a shore excursion to visit the volcanic island.
The New Zealand Police have stated that there are “no signs of life” on the island which hosts the volcano. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel is scheduled to make a port of call visit tomorrow, 10 December.
CNN provides this update
- The eruption: The volcano on White Island, off the coast of the country’s North Island, erupted this afternoon.
- The numbers: Police say fewer than 50 people were on or around the island at the time of the eruption. More than 30 of those are believed to be passengers from the Royal Caribbean cruise line. A total of 23 people were rescued from the island in the immediate aftermath of the eruption.
- Casualties: Five of the 23 evacuees have been confirmed dead. They come from a range of nationalities, but police have not released more identifying information.
- Rescuers on shore: The search and rescue teams have had to work mostly on shore, as it’s still too dangerous to access the island. Police say they have had no communications with anyone on the island since the eruption.
Royal Caribbean:
“We can confirm that a number of our guests were touring the island today. 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. Please keep all those affected in your prayers.”
New Zealand Cruise Association:
“Our primary concern right now is with the well being of the passengers and all those involved. We would like to extend our heartfelt concern to the passengers and their families,” NZCA Chief Executive Officer Kevin O’Sullivan said. “Our hope is that everyone will be recovered quickly and unharmed, but at this time we have no further information.”
Australian’s Prime Minister:
Many questions remain outstanding, including had seismic activity given any indication of an imminent eruption, as was the case when the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii volcano erupted.
11 December: We have crafted a follow-on piece which answers the questions we ask above: Update: Ovation of the Seas & White Island Volcano - Warnings had been issued.
Exceptional post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little
bit more. Many thanks!
That we did … see update at the top of this article.