In New Zealand, after a volcanic eruption on the Isle of White Island, the bodies of six dead tourists were found. Police used divers to search for two more, Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.
It is known that at least one body out of two is in the sea. The divers made several attempts to get it. They continue to search for the second victim, despite the ongoing volcanic activity and the threat of new emissions.
The volcanic eruption on the island, which is regularly visited by groups of tourists, began on Monday afternoon. According to the latest data, at that time there were 47 people on the island. Eight went missing, they began to be presumed dead. Taking into account the six victims found on the island, the total death toll reached 16. There are 28 people in hospitals with severe burns and respiratory tract damage, 23 doctors assess the condition as critical, the AR reported.
Peter Watson, a doctor at the Middlemore Clinic in Oakland, told reporters on Thursday that US assistance had been requested to help the victims. US skin banks are to receive 120 square meters of donor skin in Oakland. Commenting on the incident, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern previously noted that there are questions why visits to the island have not been stopped despite warnings of increased volcanic activity.
White Island is a private uninhabited island. It is located 50 kilometers from the North Island of New Zealand. It is visited by over 10,000 tourists a year.
The fatal volcanic eruption was also recorded from the satellite.
