Missing Australians named in White Island volcano eruption
Hundreds of cruise passengers have woken up to a “sombre” morning on the Ovation of the Seas ship after at least five people were killed in a volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island.
The incident has left 31 people hospitalised, including a number of Australian tourists who had been sightseeing yesterday.
Eight people are currently still missing.
New Zealand Police issued a statement, saying they do not believe they will be able to locate any more survivors after conducting aerial surveillance of the island.
Speaking to 9news.com.au, an Australian passenger name Anna, who is currently on board the Ovation while docked at Tauranga said the atmosphere on the cruise is “sobering and sombre”.
“(I have taken) a walk through the main ship area and there’s not a lot of life. A few people at guest services,” she said.
“I can see another cruise ship out in the water; they might’ve been due in here today.
“I’m feeling pretty helpless mostly, there’s nothing I can do beyond be understanding about any decisions that are made for the families involved.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said of the 24 Australians visiting the island during the eruption, a few were among those who had been taken to hospitals on the mainland.
“There are still people who are unaccounted for, including Australians,” he said.
“We hope to know more in the morning, however we must prepare for some difficult news in the days ahead.
“Jenny and I extend our love to all the individuals and families affected. This is a terrible and anxious time for them.”
Here are the Australians listed as missing on the Red Cross website:
• Amy Miall, 30, of Brisbane
• Anthony Langford, 51, of North Sydney
• Gary Woolley, of Sydney
• Gavin Brian Dallow, 53, of Adelaide
• James Whitehouse, 23, of Brisbane
• Jane Murray, 56, of Sydney
• Jason David Griffiths, 33, of Coffs Harbour NSW
• Jesse Langford, 19, of North Sydney
• Jessica Richards, 20, of Australia
• Julie Richards, 47, of Australia
• Karla Michelle Mathews, 32, of Coffs Harbour NSW
• Kristine Langford, of Australia
• Madeleine Whitehouse, 24, of Brisbane
• Mathew Thomas, 31, of Tamworth NSW
• Maureen Jones, 68, of Bathurst NSW
• Mitchell James O’Shea, of Canberra
• Richard Aaron Elzer, 32, of Coffs Harbour NSW
• Robert Rogers, 78, of Herberton Queensland
• Samson Tamaliunas, 12, of Western Australia
• Stuart Raymond Trott, 45, of Melbourne
• Tarli Sky Tonks, 14, of Tasmania
• Winona Langford, 17, of North Sydney
• Ziggy Viero, 7, of Australia
• Zoe Hosking, 15, of Adelaide