Passengers wait for news as Ovation of the Seas stays berthed in Tauranga
Tuesday, 10 December 2019
Passengers on board the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship have been told the ship will remain in port to await news from authorities.
The cruise ship had tourists on board who travelled to Whakaari/White Island on Monday when it erupted at 2.11pm while 47 people were still on the island.
Waikato police superintendent Bruce Bird said five people were confirmed dead, while 31 were still in hospital and three had been discharged. The remaining eight people on the island were still unaccounted for, but believed to be dead.
Ship passengers aboard the Ovation of the Seas have turned to social media, sending snippets of news being circulated to those who remain on board.
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In a tweet, one said an announcement from the ship's captain informed passengers they would stay at the port in Tauranga to await further news from New Zealand authorities.
A statement from Royal Caribbean Cruises said it was working with guests aboard the Ovation of the Seas in the aftermath of the Whakaari/White Island tragedy 'in any way we can'.
'We're making sure they are taken care of in terms of medical help, counselling, accommodation and transport.
'Our hearts go out to them, and we want to be as supportive as we can.'
Royal Caribbean Cruises staff have been stationed in Tauranga from the company's Sydney and Auckland offices.
'We're going to be offering all our resources while this terrible tragedy sorts out.'
The statement thanked first responders, medical personnel, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, local authorities and those who had 'reached out to help with their kind thoughts and prayers'.
A Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) spokesperson said the immediate priority was for the wellbeing of those affected and the efforts of emergency services.
It was 'deeply saddened' and expressed sincerest condolences to those who had lost loved ones.
The association said cruise lines across the globe could deploy care teams in an emergency to provide immediate assistance for guests and crew. They worked with emergency services, medical teams and consular services.
'Counselling services are offered where required to ensure the wellbeing of affected passengers, crew and families.
'In difficult times our industry comes together for support and we will rally around our friends and colleagues, both on board and on shore.'
Relatives of those travelling aboard Ovation of the Seas have been urged to contact the following numbers:
Australia: 1-300-026-240
New Zealand: 0800-002141
USA: 800 829 4050
Germany: 0800-180-0885
UK: 0-800-014-8339
Mexico: 01-800-681-5336
China: 400-120-3534
Japan: 0800-170-6282
Singapore: 65-31582855