Whakaari/White Island: Hero skipper returned to volcano 'again and again'

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

Lillani Hopkins and her dad Geoff Hopkins had just taken a tour of White Island when it erupted. They were then tasked with caring for the wounded on the trip back to the mainland.

A local skipper is being hailed a hero after risking his life to save people from the deadly Whakaari/White Island eruption.

Paul Kingi was working on the White Islands Tour boat with his friend Hayden Marshall-Inmann who died in the eruption.

Kingi had left the island only minutes before the eruption on Monday afternoon, and his 'superhuman effort' to save tourists was described by his friend Rick Pollock on the Pursuit Fishing Charter page.

'He was the first back on, rescuing and assisting numerous injured back onto the waiting boats

* Whakatāne Hospital 'like a war zone'

* What we know of the people missing, injured, or dead**

'He went back again and again, ignoring the toxic environment and personal risk, until he was satisfied there were no more obvious survivors remaining.

'This superhuman effort doesn't surprise me in the least as I've seen this fine man in action on numerous occasions, always controlling a bad situation.'

Kingi had worked for Pollock for five years and was experienced and skilled on the water, Pollock wrote.

'As with most any disasters there will be people who step up, heroes and heroines if you will.

'Sometimes these people will be the ones you expect, strong individuals in character and strength.

'Other times it's ones you least expect who take control of an arduous situation to the benefit of all involved.

'Yesterday was no exception with one man standing out, one Paul Kingi.'

Kingi was an 'outstanding man' and 'amazingly resourceful'.

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden meets the disaster's first responders.

'This superhuman effort doesn't surprise me in the least as I've seen this fine man in action on numerous occasions, always controlling a bad situation.

'Indeed, I was shipwrecked with him once for five days on an uninhabited Island! Anyway I'd like to recognise Paul for what he is on this occasion, nothing less than a hero.'

Pollock also paid tribute to Marshall-Inman, who he had known since he was three years old.

This 1.5 tonne tour helicopter was shunted off its helipad by the force of the eruption.

Lillani Hopkins had just taken a tour of White Island when she took this photo from the boat she was on when the island erupted.

'As Hayden grew into manhood his kind disposition led him to a life of serving people.'

He was known for his people skills and broad smile.

'The word devastation comes to mind here-in totality. While I'm finding it most difficult to come to terms with all this horrible revelation I can't imagine what his family is going through.

'My heart and thoughts go out to them in this most difficult of times.'