Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption: Images from rescue helicopter crews

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust deployed three Westpac helicopters to White Island and Whakatane on Monday.

Images of Whakaari/White Island from helicopter pilots following Monday's volcano eruption show the extent of the volcanic debris.

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust tasked three helicopters to White Island and Whakatāne between 2.40pm and 5.33pm, following the eruption at 2.11pm.

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust paramedics make their way to the island.

Forty-seven people were on the island at the time, five of whom have died. Eight remain unaccounted for while 31 are being treated in hospitals throughout the country. Three others have been discharged from hospital.

Police have seen 'no signs of life' in reconnaissance flights, and believe there are no more survivors on the island.

The first Westpac Helicopter was deployed at 2.40pm, half an hour after the volcano erupted.

ARHT transferred three intensive care paramedics, two doctors and blood supplies to the scene.

It also took two female patients in a critical condition to Middlemore Hospital. One of those patients was described as 'young', it said.

Private helicopter operators were praised by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for stepping in to help.

NZ Red Cross has activated the Family Links site for people wanting to register themselves as safe or register an inquiry about a loved one. Families can also use the police 105 number.

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter was also called to assist, after initially providing cover to the Manawatū area on Monday, pilot Barry McAuliffe said.

White Island has been blanketed with ash following the eruption.

The crew flew a 36-year-old American man with burns from Whakatāne to Christchurch, landing in the South Island city at 2.10am on Tuesday, he said.

Two private helicopters and a Volcanic Air helicopter had also assisted with the rescue of people on the island.

The 'courageous' efforts of helicopter pilots to land on White Island to rescue survivors has been praised by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

'I want to acknowledge the courageous decision made by first responders, and those pilots who, in [an] immediate rescue effort, made [an] incredibly brave decision, under extraordinarily dangerous circumstances, in an attempt to get people out', she said on Tuesday morning.

On Monday night, the island was covered with ash and had been ruled a no-fly zone, unsafe for rescuers to approach.