This month Netflix released the documentary "The Volcano: Rescue in Whakaari" telling the story of the deadly volcano eruption in New Zealand, through the testimonies of survivors and rescuers. The tragedy on White Island claimed the lives of 22 people, most of them passengers sailing aboard the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas. The documentary directed by Rory Kennedy reconstructs the events with a focus on the events before the tragedy, the great loss, and the everyday heroes who came to the rescue.
On December 9, 2019 a dream cruise holiday on Ovation of the Seas turned into a nightmare when tourists have been caught up at the center of the deadly volcano eruption. Since the terrible tragedy, Whakaari is off limits for visitors.
There is no force on this planet that compares to the sheer power of Mother Nature, however, the warning signs were ignored and this tragedy could be avoided. In October and November of that same year, geologists from GNS Science announced that abnormally high amounts of gases and steam were being emitted from the island. In addition, an earthquake was registered near the island and they decided to issue a maximum alert warning.
Despite this, tourist activities on Whakaari continued and some agencies even placed on their official websites that there was moderate volcanic activity. They knew perfectly well that eruptions could occur, as did the people who hired them, instead they ignored the warning signs.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE IN WHAKAARI AT THE TIME OF THE ERUPTION?
According to public information, there were 47 people on Whakaari Island at the time of the eruption. 38 were passengers from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Ovation of the Seas who have decided to take a shore excursion to the island.
Before the large eruption, there were two small eruptions that, generated a large column of ash and steam. This happened around two in the afternoon and everything spread in a matter of minutes.
When the deadly eruption started only 23 people have been evacuated from the island by a small ship. Even those not on the ground suffered burns and trouble breathing.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PEOPLE WHO STAYED ON THE ISLAND?
Rescuers started operations to evacuate people trapped on the island with commercial helicopters and three brave pilots willing to risk their lives. They managed to rescue 12 survivors and later recover the bodies of those who did not make it.
HOW MANY CASUALTIES WERE IN THE ERUPTION OF THE WHAKAARI VOLCANO?
In total, 22 people died from the eruption of the Whakaari volcano. There were also 25 people injured with the majority needing intensive care for severe burns.
On the day of the eruption officials declared that five people were killed, 34 injured and rescued, while eight people were missing and presumed dead. Three other people died in hospital the next day, bringing the death toll to eight. Six more were found during the operation bringing the death toll to 14. On 14 December, officials announced that the death toll had risen to 15 as another injured person died in hospital. A day later, an Australian national who was repatriated died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 16. Later another victim died in hospital, pushing the death toll to 19 including two missing people that were presumed dead. A German man died on 2 July 2020, bringing the death toll to 20 dead and 2 missings.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS IN WHAKAARI?
There are currently legal actions against 10 organizations for failing to guarantee the health and safety of workers and people. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty. Since then, it has been decided that there will be no more visits to Whakaari Island.
