PASSENGERS aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas have been swept up in the tragic volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island, which occurred yesterday at 2.11pm local time while 24 of the ship’s Australian passengers were on the island during a tour. According to the latest updates, three of...
PASSENGERS aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas have been swept up in the tragic volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island, which occurred yesterday at 2.11pm local time while 24 of the ship’s Australian passengers were on the island during a tour.
According to the latest updates, three of those Australians are believed to be among five people confirmed dead, while 13 are in hospital and eight are missing, with authorities saying they do not expect to find more survivors.
“The news from White Island is devastating…we are working to help our guests and the authorities in the aftermath of this tragedy in any way we can,” said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson.
The cruise line is acting to ensure guests and their families are looked after “in terms of medical help, counselling, accommodations, and transport”, with staff from its Sydney and Auckland offices assisting onsite.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released a statement expressing their condolences, stating “in difficult times our industry comes together for support and we will rally around our friends and colleagues, both on board and on shore”.
Ovation left Sydney on 4 Dec and was due to return on 16 Dec, but will remain docked in the Port of Tauranga “as long as necessary”, the ship’s captain said.
Family members concerned about the status of relatives travelling aboard Ovation of the Seas can call 1300 026 240 (Aus) or 0800 002 141 (NZ).
Pictured: The White Island eruption; image supplied to the ABC by David McClelland.
