White Island erupts.

[mr walker]

16 minutes ago, plettza said:

Does anyone know from where and when the ship left Australia?  A guy from work told me he was going on an RCCL cruise to NZ during his holidays.  His last work day was Friday.  I'm curious if this is his ship.

If he worked Fri he wouldn't be on this ship - it departed Sydney earlier than Saturday.

[plettza]

OK, thanks.  I didn't ask him which ship he was going so he may setting sail this week or next.

[Hawka]

So sad to have anyone on there when it happened 😭

[erewhon]

 Now 5 deaths confirmed.

[The_Big_M]

Always seemed a big risk to go on a tour here. And now it's eventuated.

[chrisb74]

9 minutes ago, plettza said:

OK, thanks.  I didn't ask him which ship he was going so he may setting sail this week or next.

Ovation left Sydney on Wednesday the 4th. This was the 3rd stop. 

 

 

[Dobby_The_Ship_Elf]

just got back from a 37 days adventure from Southampton to Singapore

 

so sad to return to this news

 

our prayers and thoughts go out to all those affected

[icat2000]

I have a staff member who was cruising to NZ on RCL. Not sure which ship they were on. When did did the Ovation leave Sydney?

[Stickman1990]

Just now, icat2000 said:

When did did the Ovation leave Sydney?

Two posts above yours...

[icat2000]

2 minutes ago, Stickman1990 said:

Two posts above yours...

Thanks. 

[MicCanberra]

Terrible news, too early to tell how many of the 23 badly burnt people who are in a critical condition will survive.

[CupcakeSusie]

My heart is breaking for these poor people and their families. Right before Christmas 😞 

 

TV news said that all deaths were from Ovation tourists 😞 

[Fletch1]

2 hours ago, icat2000 said:

Ovation of the Seas: Guests and one crew member on island at time of eruption

 

The captain of the Ovation of the Seas has made an announcement to passengers that a group of guests and one crew member were on the island at the time of the eruption.

 

He told passengers on-board that they're waiting on information from the government to see what's happened, a passenger said.

 

The cruise ship will not leave the port until the missing passengers return.

 

The passenger who relayed the announcement said people were silent after the message and a helpline has been opened up on the ship for those who are missing loved ones.

 

That would be heartbreaking to hear that announcement. 

[Esilef]

5 people dead and others still on the island. I hope they have the strength to stay strong during the night.

 

it must be heartbreaking for the crew and passengers on the ship waiting to hear news.

 

 

[lissie]

Red Cross link to those who are missing or have reported in https://familylinks.icrc.org/new-zealand/en/Pages/search-persons.aspx

[Pushka]

https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/white-island-volcano-eruption-plumes-of-smoke-reports-of-injuries-in-bay-of-plenty/news-story/5cb1553515e0da994d4ad3587df99ff8
 

Now believed there no survivors on the island. The first person identified as having been killed is a local tour guide. It looks very grim for the passengers I think. Just awful. 

[lissie]

Official NZ Police announcement.  

**"Update: Eruption on White Island – recovery operation"

The Police Eagle helicopter, rescue helicopter, and NZDF aircraft have undertaken a number of aerial reconnaissance flights over the island since the eruption.

No signs of life have been seen at any point.

Police believe that anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued at the time of the evacuation.

Based on the information we have, we do not believe there are any survivors on the island.

Police is working urgently to confirm the exact number of those who have died, further to the five confirmed deceased already.

As part of the recovery a NZDF ship will approach the perimeter of the island at first light to deploy drones and observational equipment to further assess the environment.

Police continue to receive information and advice from GeoNet experts to support the recovery operation.

The Police Disaster Identification (DVI) team are assembling in Whakatane to await deployment.

Both New Zealanders and overseas tourists are believed to involved, and a number were from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship.

The Police 105 number can be used by members of the public to submit information regarding friends or family who might have been visiting White Island during the eruption.

People from overseas can call +64 9105 105.

They can also use the online form at the Police website here.

At the request of New Zealand Police, New Zealand Red Cross has activated the Family Links website for people wanting to register themselves as safe or register an inquiry about a loved one.

If you are worried about a friend or family member following the White Island eruption, first contact them as you normally would.

If you cannot make contact, you can register them through this website: https://familylinks.icrc.org/new-zealand/en/Pages/Home.aspx

The friends and family of those involved remain at front of mind for Police.

Support is being put in place and Police are working to provide them with information as it becomes available.

[Stickman1990]

The latest report from the NZ Herald - no good news I'm afraid - but not unexpected

 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12292240

[puppycanducruise]

Our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected.

[ilikeanswers]

3 hours ago, Stickman1990 said:

The latest report from the NZ Herald - no good news I'm afraid - but not unexpected

 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12292240

 

It would be a miracle if anyone who was stuck on the island survived. The toxic fumes from the eruption would asphyxiate you pretty quickly though I heard some tour groups did have gas masks on the other hand I don't know if anyone has tested them for a full blown eruption event. 

[kiwichick62]

More than twenty Australians reported as still missing, including a recently married couple and a family of four.  Condolences to all affected.

 

Edit - latest headlines state 5 dead, 8 still missing, 31 in hospital.  😧

Edited December 9, 2019 by kiwichick62
update.

[CruiseCriticAUeditor]

We've been updating our story too: https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/news/4846/

 

If anyone onboard the ship is reading, please get in touch. 

 

Latest report from NZ Herald is 5 confirmed dead, 8 missing presumed dead, and 31 in hospital. Mostly Australians (24) but people also from UK, US, China and Malaysia, including some crew. 

 

Every cruise lover is still feeling the sadness today. Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and information here, I hope you're all ok. It feels closer to home when it's your fellow Aussie cruisers or you've also sailed on Ovation or to NZ.

 

If you're concerned about friends or family, the number to call is 1300 555 135. If you’re outside Australia, +61 2 6261 3305 or SMS +61 421 269 080.

 

 

[Esilef]

There is now reports that 24 Australians are feared dead. There is no signs of life on the island but until they can access the island safely this can’t be confirmed.

 

 

[cheznandy]

We are on Carnival Splendor, just docked in Sydney and news is just filtering through about this tragic event.
An announcement was just made on board that all media activity has been cancelled for the arrival of this ship in respect of Ovation of the Seas and passengers.
It was a sombre sail in this morning, with one tug with water spray.

Thoughts and prayers to all on Ovation.

Sent from my MAR-LX2 using Tapatalk

[Esilef]

Is there any other cruise ships expected in the area of the island today?