1 00:00:14,904 --> 00:00:16,464 MAN: Oh, my God! 2 00:00:16,464 --> 00:00:18,184 Oh, my God! 3 00:00:18,184 --> 00:00:18,424 Oh, my God! MAN: I could see just this enormous cloud of black 4 00:00:18,424 --> 00:00:22,504 MAN: I could see just this enormous cloud of black 5 00:00:22,504 --> 00:00:22,744 MAN: I could see and bright white steam and ash. 6 00:00:22,744 --> 00:00:25,424 and bright white steam and ash. 7 00:00:25,424 --> 00:00:29,944 At that point there was definitely a shift of, I guess, 8 00:00:29,944 --> 00:00:31,264 shock and horror. 9 00:00:31,264 --> 00:00:33,304 MAN: Go, go, go, go, go. 10 00:00:33,304 --> 00:00:35,144 Jesus. 11 00:00:35,144 --> 00:00:38,064 MAN: I remember that sinking feeling when I realised 12 00:00:38,064 --> 00:00:40,304 there were people probably on the island, 13 00:00:40,304 --> 00:00:43,744 and that there were probably really tragic consequences. 14 00:00:43,744 --> 00:00:43,984 and that there were probably Holy crap. 15 00:00:43,984 --> 00:00:45,384 Holy crap. 16 00:00:45,384 --> 00:00:46,864 Oh, my God. 17 00:00:47,744 --> 00:00:49,704 Oh, my God. 18 00:00:49,704 --> 00:00:52,904 REPORTER: When New Zealand's White Island Volcano erupted 19 00:00:52,904 --> 00:00:54,824 on December 9 last year, 20 00:00:54,824 --> 00:00:57,704 there were 47 people trapped in the crater. 21 00:00:57,704 --> 00:00:57,944 there were 47 people Look. Look. 22 00:00:57,944 --> 00:01:00,584 Look. Look. 23 00:01:00,584 --> 00:01:02,784 Oh, no. 24 00:01:02,784 --> 00:01:06,024 Horrified sightseers were the first on the scene. 25 00:01:07,144 --> 00:01:13,704 Some people was quiet, very quiet. Some people was screaming. 26 00:01:13,704 --> 00:01:15,544 Some people was crying. 27 00:01:18,424 --> 00:01:20,784 There was no second-guessing, no hesitation. 28 00:01:22,264 --> 00:01:25,704 MAN: We got to the victims, started helping them, 29 00:01:25,704 --> 00:01:27,104 putting on gas masks, giving them water, 30 00:01:27,104 --> 00:01:29,104 putting them in the recovery position, 31 00:01:29,104 --> 00:01:30,144 making them as comfortable as we can. 32 00:01:30,144 --> 00:01:31,864 Just reassuring them that we are there. 33 00:01:31,864 --> 00:01:32,104 Just reassuring them We are there to help 34 00:01:32,104 --> 00:01:33,104 We are there to help 35 00:01:33,104 --> 00:01:33,344 and, "We are going to get you We are there to help 36 00:01:33,344 --> 00:01:34,584 and, "We are going to get you off the island," 37 00:01:34,584 --> 00:01:34,824 and, "We are going to get you and "You're not alone". 38 00:01:34,824 --> 00:01:35,824 and "You're not alone". 39 00:01:37,464 --> 00:01:41,584 Tonight, on Four Corners the extraordinary efforts 40 00:01:41,584 --> 00:01:45,864 by ordinary people to rescue the victims of the White Island disaster. 41 00:01:45,864 --> 00:01:46,144 We investigate how much tourists were told, and understood, by ordinary people to rescue the victims of the White Island disaster. 42 00:01:46,144 --> 00:01:50,784 We investigate how much tourists were told, and understood, 43 00:01:50,784 --> 00:01:55,344 about the dangers of visiting New Zealand's most active volcano. 44 00:01:55,344 --> 00:01:55,624 about the dangers of visiting New Zealand's most active volcano. And we examine whether more could have been done 45 00:01:55,624 --> 00:01:57,944 And we examine whether more could have been done 46 00:01:57,944 --> 00:01:59,464 to prevent this tragedy 47 00:01:59,464 --> 00:02:01,864 that's left 21 people dead 48 00:02:01,864 --> 00:02:05,584 and many others with lifelong traumatic injuries. 49 00:02:20,984 --> 00:02:25,544 On December 4 last year the Ovation of the Seas set sail from Sydney 50 00:02:25,544 --> 00:02:25,784 On December 4 last year the Ovation for New Zealand. 51 00:02:25,784 --> 00:02:26,824 for New Zealand. 52 00:02:29,224 --> 00:02:31,424 It was peak cruise season 53 00:02:31,424 --> 00:02:33,664 and thousands of Australians had bought tickets 54 00:02:33,664 --> 00:02:37,064 for one of the last trips before Christmas. 55 00:02:37,064 --> 00:02:41,584 On board the Royal Caribbean cruise was Adelaide lawyer Gavin Dallow, 56 00:02:41,584 --> 00:02:46,464 his wife Lisa, and her 15-year-old daughter Zoe Hosking. 57 00:02:46,464 --> 00:02:46,704 his wife Lisa, and her 15-year-old MAN: Lisa and Zoe changed his life. 58 00:02:46,704 --> 00:02:48,944 MAN: Lisa and Zoe changed his life. 59 00:02:50,024 --> 00:02:53,584 I just know that it's the greatest thing that ever happened to Gavin. 60 00:02:53,584 --> 00:02:53,824 When I first met Lisa it was... I just know that it's the greatest thing that ever happened to Gavin. 61 00:02:53,824 --> 00:02:56,784 When I first met Lisa it was... 62 00:02:56,784 --> 00:03:00,064 ..you could tell there was just something. 63 00:03:00,064 --> 00:03:04,424 And it was just so good to see... most of all he was just so happy. 64 00:03:07,704 --> 00:03:09,944 MAN: They were really looking forward to it. 65 00:03:09,944 --> 00:03:13,024 Then Gavin sent a picture of them 66 00:03:13,024 --> 00:03:15,304 as they were going through Sydney Heads 67 00:03:15,304 --> 00:03:18,864 and said, "Goodbye, Australia, Hello, New Zealand." 68 00:03:23,304 --> 00:03:27,584 Also, on the Ovation of the Seas were Sydney family the Langfords - 69 00:03:27,584 --> 00:03:29,584 mum and dad Kristine and Anthony, 70 00:03:29,584 --> 00:03:32,584 and their teenage children Jesse and Winona. 71 00:03:33,784 --> 00:03:37,424 John Cozad and his son Chris from New South Wales 72 00:03:37,424 --> 00:03:37,664 John Cozad and his son Chris were on board too. 73 00:03:37,664 --> 00:03:39,024 were on board too. 74 00:03:42,664 --> 00:03:44,944 WOMAN: There were lots of families taking, I suppose, 75 00:03:44,944 --> 00:03:48,704 an early Christmas, or a lead into their Christmas holidays, 76 00:03:48,704 --> 00:03:51,944 and the mindset really is to be carefree, 77 00:03:51,944 --> 00:03:55,384 to let the cruise company look after their holiday. 78 00:03:55,384 --> 00:03:55,624 They've paid a lot of money. to let the cruise company look after their holiday. 79 00:03:55,624 --> 00:03:56,664 They've paid a lot of money. 80 00:03:56,664 --> 00:03:59,624 They've planned for it. They've taken leave from work. 81 00:03:59,624 --> 00:04:03,104 The mindset is, "I can let them look after me." 82 00:04:08,424 --> 00:04:10,744 One of the highlights offered to passengers 83 00:04:10,744 --> 00:04:13,904 was a day trip to visit White Island volcano. 84 00:04:15,464 --> 00:04:18,544 Gavin just happened to mention that he was going to White Island, 85 00:04:18,544 --> 00:04:21,704 'cause he knew it was on my bucket list, because I wanted to go there. 86 00:04:21,704 --> 00:04:24,704 He didn't say not to tell anyone, but as it turned out, 87 00:04:24,704 --> 00:04:27,544 I was the only person in the family that he'd let know. 88 00:04:27,544 --> 00:04:27,784 I was the only person They were provided with a brochure 89 00:04:27,784 --> 00:04:30,024 They were provided with a brochure 90 00:04:30,024 --> 00:04:33,664 that was branded with Royal Caribbean branding. 91 00:04:33,664 --> 00:04:35,544 They would have been provided with a ticket 92 00:04:35,544 --> 00:04:39,224 also branded with Royal Caribbean branding, 93 00:04:39,224 --> 00:04:39,464 also branded with and they were told in the brochure 94 00:04:39,464 --> 00:04:41,784 and they were told in the brochure 95 00:04:41,784 --> 00:04:45,144 that all they needed to do if they were attending this tour 96 00:04:45,144 --> 00:04:46,864 was to wear enclosed shoes. 97 00:04:49,024 --> 00:04:53,304 The brochure promised tourists could "get close to the drama". 98 00:04:53,304 --> 00:04:56,864 It said, "Gas masks help you get near roaring steam vents, 99 00:04:56,864 --> 00:05:00,024 "bubbling pits of mud, hot volcanic streams 100 00:05:00,024 --> 00:05:00,304 "bubbling pits of mud, hot volcanic streams "and the amazing lake of steaming acid." 101 00:05:00,304 --> 00:05:03,464 "and the amazing lake of steaming acid." 102 00:05:07,664 --> 00:05:09,864 They were told to think about 103 00:05:09,864 --> 00:05:12,784 whether they were OK with doing a strenuous walk. 104 00:05:12,784 --> 00:05:17,144 People in wheelchairs were told that it probably wasn't a good idea 105 00:05:17,144 --> 00:05:19,624 for them to go on the island. 106 00:05:19,624 --> 00:05:21,384 But, generally, all they were told 107 00:05:21,384 --> 00:05:24,024 is this was an adventurous, fun thing to do 108 00:05:24,024 --> 00:05:24,264 is this was an adventurous, and just to wear enclosed shoes. 109 00:05:24,264 --> 00:05:26,064 and just to wear enclosed shoes. 110 00:05:26,064 --> 00:05:26,304 What were they told about the risks and just to wear enclosed shoes. 111 00:05:26,304 --> 00:05:29,144 What were they told about the risks and the risk of an eruption? 112 00:05:29,144 --> 00:05:29,384 What were they told about the risks Nothing. 113 00:05:29,384 --> 00:05:30,664 Nothing. 114 00:05:30,664 --> 00:05:32,264 Absolutely nothing. 115 00:05:36,344 --> 00:05:38,664 Tourism New Zealand promoted White Island 116 00:05:38,664 --> 00:05:43,224 to Australian travel agents as one of the country's hidden gems. 117 00:05:46,704 --> 00:05:50,264 MAN: White Island is an active volcano. It's a cone volcano. 118 00:05:50,264 --> 00:05:53,144 It's the type of volcano that a kid would draw at school. 119 00:05:53,144 --> 00:05:56,064 It's a typical, regularly erupting, active volcano. 120 00:05:56,064 --> 00:05:56,344 The different thing about White Island It's a typical, regularly erupting, active volcano. 121 00:05:56,344 --> 00:05:57,624 The different thing about White Island 122 00:05:57,624 --> 00:05:57,864 is most of it's underwater, White Island 123 00:05:57,864 --> 00:05:59,144 is most of it's underwater, 124 00:05:59,144 --> 00:06:01,624 so the tip of the island only is poking out through the ocean. 125 00:06:08,264 --> 00:06:12,064 More than 18,000 people visited the island each year. 126 00:06:13,424 --> 00:06:16,664 MAN: It would be something like if you pictured going to Mars. 127 00:06:16,664 --> 00:06:18,024 The landscape's so unique. 128 00:06:18,024 --> 00:06:20,264 The colours are real fluorescent and different. 129 00:06:20,264 --> 00:06:24,824 It's such a harsh looking environment and it's active. 130 00:06:24,824 --> 00:06:26,424 Things were always changing. 131 00:06:26,424 --> 00:06:26,664 There was always sounds or vents and stuff. Things were always changing. 132 00:06:26,664 --> 00:06:29,584 There was always sounds or vents and stuff. 133 00:06:29,584 --> 00:06:32,824 It was just a real awesome, awesome place. 134 00:06:36,144 --> 00:06:38,384 MAN: When you arrive at White Island, 135 00:06:38,384 --> 00:06:41,864 you're transferred into a Zodiac rubber boat, 136 00:06:41,864 --> 00:06:42,104 you're transferred into usually six to 10 people, 137 00:06:42,104 --> 00:06:44,104 usually six to 10 people, 138 00:06:44,104 --> 00:06:47,904 and you're then ferried to this rough concrete landing 139 00:06:47,904 --> 00:06:51,144 where you are gingerly helped from the boat 140 00:06:51,144 --> 00:06:51,384 where you are gingerly onto the, uh, landing platform. 141 00:06:51,384 --> 00:06:53,904 onto the, uh, landing platform. 142 00:06:55,264 --> 00:06:57,504 When you actually land on the island, 143 00:06:57,504 --> 00:07:01,944 and you walk into the crater of the volcano, 144 00:07:01,944 --> 00:07:02,224 you're actually walking right into the throat of an active volcano and you walk into the crater of the volcano, 145 00:07:02,224 --> 00:07:06,584 you're actually walking right into the throat of an active volcano 146 00:07:06,584 --> 00:07:11,024 that has erupted frequently, uh, in the last several decades. 147 00:07:13,504 --> 00:07:17,464 In 2016, scientists got a warning of just how dangerous 148 00:07:17,464 --> 00:07:17,704 In 2016, scientists got a warning an eruption on White Island could be. 149 00:07:17,704 --> 00:07:20,544 an eruption on White Island could be. 150 00:07:21,784 --> 00:07:26,064 GRAHAM: So, there was an eruption in 2016. It was at night. 151 00:07:26,064 --> 00:07:29,664 It was a similar eruption in that it had a column up in the air, 152 00:07:29,664 --> 00:07:31,984 it produced a surge out across the ground, 153 00:07:31,984 --> 00:07:34,744 it probably threw quite a lot of rock and ballistics, 154 00:07:34,744 --> 00:07:37,744 but there was nobody on the island - that's the big difference. 155 00:07:39,264 --> 00:07:41,944 It was very clear that if people had been on that island 156 00:07:41,944 --> 00:07:45,344 at that time in 2016, it would've been very hard to survive, 157 00:07:45,344 --> 00:07:50,224 and we put that in our bulletins as our main communication mechanism 158 00:07:50,224 --> 00:07:52,744 afterwards to make that really clear. 159 00:07:53,704 --> 00:07:56,344 RAYMOND: The whole area where tourists walk 160 00:07:56,344 --> 00:07:56,584 RAYMOND: The whole area when they visit the island 161 00:07:56,584 --> 00:07:57,944 when they visit the island 162 00:07:57,944 --> 00:07:58,184 was inundated with the deposits when they visit the island 163 00:07:58,184 --> 00:08:02,624 was inundated with the deposits of that explosive eruption. 164 00:08:02,624 --> 00:08:06,344 And that, of course, should immediately have raised an alert 165 00:08:06,344 --> 00:08:10,904 that it's a dangerous place to allow people to walk. 166 00:08:10,904 --> 00:08:11,144 that it's a dangerous place My personal point of view 167 00:08:11,144 --> 00:08:12,424 My personal point of view 168 00:08:12,424 --> 00:08:12,664 is they should have My personal point of view 169 00:08:12,664 --> 00:08:16,184 is they should have stopped tourist activities, 170 00:08:16,184 --> 00:08:19,344 particularly in terms of landing on the island. 171 00:08:20,624 --> 00:08:24,904 Late last year, the volcanic activity on the island increased. 172 00:08:24,904 --> 00:08:30,464 On December 3, the government body that monitors White Island said: 173 00:08:36,704 --> 00:08:40,144 GRAHAM: We had raised the alert level to Level Two. 174 00:08:40,144 --> 00:08:44,424 That's the highest level it can be at when it's not erupting. 175 00:08:44,424 --> 00:08:47,224 That's because we could see tremor in the volcano 176 00:08:47,224 --> 00:08:47,464 That's because we could see tremor increasing over those months. 177 00:08:47,464 --> 00:08:49,464 increasing over those months. 178 00:08:49,464 --> 00:08:49,704 We could also see some increases increasing over those months. 179 00:08:49,704 --> 00:08:52,584 We could also see some increases in that gas that we're monitoring 180 00:08:52,584 --> 00:08:52,824 We could also see some increases at the volcano, 181 00:08:52,824 --> 00:08:53,984 at the volcano, 182 00:08:53,984 --> 00:08:56,064 indicating that unrest was up. 183 00:08:56,064 --> 00:08:59,584 Level Two doesn't necessarily indicate 184 00:08:59,584 --> 00:09:02,384 that you'll therefore get an explosive eruption. 185 00:09:02,384 --> 00:09:05,304 You often do, because things escalate, 186 00:09:05,304 --> 00:09:10,584 but sometimes everything settles down and remains at Level Two. 187 00:09:12,064 --> 00:09:15,384 TOM: We've gone out there before on a Level Two plenty of times, 188 00:09:15,384 --> 00:09:15,624 TOM: We've gone out there before and it's done nothing. 189 00:09:15,624 --> 00:09:17,184 and it's done nothing. 190 00:09:17,184 --> 00:09:21,024 It would quite often change from a Level Two to a Level One. 191 00:09:21,024 --> 00:09:24,064 But a Level Two and a Level One is... 192 00:09:24,064 --> 00:09:24,344 ..it's more dangerous driving on a road, probably, But a Level Two and a Level One is... 193 00:09:24,344 --> 00:09:26,184 ..it's more dangerous driving on a road, probably, 194 00:09:26,184 --> 00:09:26,424 than being out there, you know? driving on a road, probably, 195 00:09:26,424 --> 00:09:28,344 than being out there, you know? 196 00:09:28,344 --> 00:09:28,584 than being out there, you know? Do you think if Gavin had known that there was a Level Two risk, 197 00:09:28,584 --> 00:09:31,504 Do you think if Gavin had known that there was a Level Two risk, 198 00:09:31,504 --> 00:09:31,744 Do you think if Gavin had known he wouldn't have gone? 199 00:09:31,744 --> 00:09:33,104 he wouldn't have gone? 200 00:09:33,104 --> 00:09:33,344 I'm pretty well sure he wouldn't have. he wouldn't have gone? 201 00:09:33,344 --> 00:09:35,184 I'm pretty well sure he wouldn't have. 202 00:09:35,184 --> 00:09:35,424 I'm almost certain, he wouldn't have. 203 00:09:35,424 --> 00:09:37,224 I'm almost certain, 204 00:09:37,224 --> 00:09:37,464 I'm almost certain, to risk Zoe and Lisa to any danger, 205 00:09:37,464 --> 00:09:43,304 because he wouldn't have wanted to risk Zoe and Lisa to any danger, 206 00:09:43,304 --> 00:09:43,544 because he wouldn't have wanted to risk Zoe and Lisa to any danger, let alone himself. 207 00:09:43,544 --> 00:09:45,224 let alone himself. 208 00:09:45,224 --> 00:09:48,984 So, I'm quite sure that if there was a danger, 209 00:09:48,984 --> 00:09:50,904 he wouldn't have gone. 210 00:09:52,784 --> 00:09:54,584 On the morning of December 9, 211 00:09:54,584 --> 00:09:58,304 several tour groups were heading to White Island. 212 00:09:58,304 --> 00:10:01,584 New Zealand residents Geoff Hopkins and his daughter Lillani 213 00:10:01,584 --> 00:10:01,824 New Zealand residents Geoff Hopkins drove to Whakatane, 214 00:10:01,824 --> 00:10:03,224 drove to Whakatane, 215 00:10:03,224 --> 00:10:06,384 the launch point for tours to the volcano. 216 00:10:07,264 --> 00:10:09,504 MAN: We were really excited about going. 217 00:10:09,504 --> 00:10:11,864 We knew that we had a great day ahead of ourselves, 218 00:10:11,864 --> 00:10:14,384 and we were really looking forward to it. 219 00:10:14,384 --> 00:10:16,704 It's something I've always been real interested in, 220 00:10:16,704 --> 00:10:16,984 and Dad went when he was a lot younger. It's something I've always been real interested in, 221 00:10:16,984 --> 00:10:18,424 and Dad went when he was a lot younger. 222 00:10:18,424 --> 00:10:20,544 So, it was, for me, something that was real cool 223 00:10:20,544 --> 00:10:21,824 for us to do together. 224 00:10:23,984 --> 00:10:26,464 Their trip, due to leave at 10am, 225 00:10:26,464 --> 00:10:30,304 was run by a well-known group called White Island Tours, 226 00:10:30,304 --> 00:10:33,264 which was the only operator taking people to the island by boat. 227 00:10:35,824 --> 00:10:40,224 We checked in, read a disclaimer, signed in, 228 00:10:40,224 --> 00:10:40,464 gave our next of kin details, etc. We checked in, read a disclaimer, signed in, 229 00:10:40,464 --> 00:10:43,024 gave our next of kin details, etc. 230 00:10:43,024 --> 00:10:47,624 Received a boarding pass, which was a metal cone, 231 00:10:47,624 --> 00:10:47,904 Received a boarding pass, which was a metal cone, and then from there just crossed the road and waited by the boat 232 00:10:47,904 --> 00:10:51,264 and then from there just crossed the road and waited by the boat 233 00:10:51,264 --> 00:10:51,504 and then from there just crossed for the crew to start loading. 234 00:10:51,504 --> 00:10:53,184 for the crew to start loading. 235 00:10:54,984 --> 00:10:57,784 Geoff and Lillani can be seen here on the wharf, 236 00:10:57,784 --> 00:11:01,384 waiting to get on the White Island Tours boat, the Phoenix. 237 00:11:01,384 --> 00:11:05,384 The video was filmed by Brazilian tourist Allessandro Kauffmann. 238 00:11:07,784 --> 00:11:14,904 Yeah, we just take the camera and just film everything, you know? 239 00:11:14,904 --> 00:11:18,664 Like a blog or a vlog, and like this. 240 00:11:21,824 --> 00:11:25,264 Allessandro was on the tour with his wife, Aline. 241 00:11:30,824 --> 00:11:36,664 Yeah. It was just excitement to get there and to see how it is. 242 00:11:42,304 --> 00:11:46,144 MAN: The last operation was 1933... 243 00:11:46,144 --> 00:11:50,184 ALLESSANDRO: We can see the White Island so far as well. 244 00:11:50,184 --> 00:11:53,144 It's huge. It's amazing. 245 00:12:06,184 --> 00:12:08,264 LILLANI: When we first got on the island, 246 00:12:08,264 --> 00:12:10,304 there was a brief safety briefing, 247 00:12:10,304 --> 00:12:12,744 and it was very, very brief. 248 00:12:12,744 --> 00:12:12,984 It was just, "Don't touch anything, don't take anything, and it was very, very brief. 249 00:12:12,984 --> 00:12:16,264 It was just, "Don't touch anything, don't take anything, 250 00:12:16,264 --> 00:12:20,224 "stay on the path, and stay in between the tour guides." 251 00:12:20,224 --> 00:12:20,464 "stay on the path, and stay in between the tour guides." That was kind of about it. 252 00:12:20,464 --> 00:12:22,104 That was kind of about it. 253 00:12:23,304 --> 00:12:28,504 What were you told about what to do in the event of an eruption? 254 00:12:28,504 --> 00:12:31,464 GEOFF: There was no safety briefing about what to do in an eruption. 255 00:12:31,464 --> 00:12:34,744 Lillani and I talked with the guide a little while later, 256 00:12:34,744 --> 00:12:34,984 Lillani and I talked with the guide as we were on our tour. 257 00:12:34,984 --> 00:12:36,824 as we were on our tour. 258 00:12:36,824 --> 00:12:39,184 And then we talked a little bit about eruptions 259 00:12:39,184 --> 00:12:40,864 and what to do in eruptions. 260 00:12:40,864 --> 00:12:45,024 So, it wasn't to the group, it was just between the three of us. 261 00:12:47,184 --> 00:12:50,464 Had they explained to you at all what to do 262 00:12:50,464 --> 00:12:54,024 if there was some sort of incident like an eruption? 263 00:12:55,504 --> 00:12:57,904 I don't really remember that. 264 00:12:57,904 --> 00:12:58,144 So, I don't remember I don't really remember that. 265 00:12:58,144 --> 00:13:03,184 So, I don't remember an explanation about it. 266 00:13:04,144 --> 00:13:06,064 Allessandro kept filming 267 00:13:06,064 --> 00:13:06,304 as the tour guide warned about Allessandro kept filming 268 00:13:06,304 --> 00:13:10,224 as the tour guide warned about getting too close to the steam. 269 00:13:36,304 --> 00:13:40,584 GEOFF: The tour really just took us up on a meandering path 270 00:13:40,584 --> 00:13:48,104 up to the crater, past various sulphur deposits and vents, etc. 271 00:13:48,104 --> 00:13:51,704 It's very rugged and grey, as rocks are, 272 00:13:51,704 --> 00:13:51,944 It's very rugged and grey, but then that's intermingled 273 00:13:51,944 --> 00:13:53,264 but then that's intermingled 274 00:13:53,264 --> 00:13:57,784 with the beautiful yellows of sulphur crystals, whites, 275 00:13:57,784 --> 00:14:02,144 and then some of the streams that have got green and brown 276 00:14:02,144 --> 00:14:03,424 and red algae. 277 00:14:09,664 --> 00:14:12,344 The walking track crossed a shallow creek. 278 00:14:16,104 --> 00:14:20,024 The group hiked towards the crater lake, the highlight of the tour, 279 00:14:20,024 --> 00:14:20,264 The group hiked towards the crater right in the centre of the island. 280 00:14:20,264 --> 00:14:22,784 right in the centre of the island. 281 00:14:22,784 --> 00:14:24,704 We talked about the crater lake. 282 00:14:24,704 --> 00:14:28,264 It's not excessively hot, but highly acidic. 283 00:14:28,264 --> 00:14:31,704 And it was always steaming, but there was a bit of wind about 284 00:14:31,704 --> 00:14:31,944 And it was always steaming, and as the wind blew the steam, 285 00:14:31,944 --> 00:14:33,464 and as the wind blew the steam, 286 00:14:33,464 --> 00:14:33,704 every now and again and as the wind blew the steam, 287 00:14:33,704 --> 00:14:36,624 every now and again you could get a glimpse of the lake. 288 00:14:40,984 --> 00:14:45,064 Did you feel at any point like there was a risk 289 00:14:45,064 --> 00:14:46,424 that the volcano could erupt? 290 00:14:46,424 --> 00:14:46,624 Yeah, sure. I think all the time. that the volcano could erupt? 291 00:14:46,624 --> 00:14:48,864 Yeah, sure. I think all the time. 292 00:14:48,864 --> 00:14:51,464 All the time, I think... 293 00:14:53,384 --> 00:14:55,784 ..there's risk, you know. 294 00:14:56,864 --> 00:14:59,704 But you have a risk about everything, you know? 295 00:14:59,704 --> 00:15:01,504 When you walk to the street 296 00:15:01,504 --> 00:15:05,464 or when you take your car to go somewhere. 297 00:15:05,464 --> 00:15:05,704 or when you take your car Everything you've got a risk. 298 00:15:05,704 --> 00:15:08,064 Everything you've got a risk. 299 00:15:08,064 --> 00:15:12,264 While they were there, Lillani photographed a helicopter 300 00:15:12,264 --> 00:15:14,864 run by Volcanic Air landing on the island 301 00:15:14,864 --> 00:15:15,104 run by Volcanic Air with a pilot and four passengers. 302 00:15:15,104 --> 00:15:17,344 with a pilot and four passengers. 303 00:15:19,184 --> 00:15:21,744 As their group made its way back to the boat, 304 00:15:21,744 --> 00:15:24,864 they passed the ruins of an old sulphur factory 305 00:15:24,864 --> 00:15:25,104 they passed the ruins of and Allessandro checked his watch. 306 00:15:25,104 --> 00:15:28,024 and Allessandro checked his watch. 307 00:15:28,024 --> 00:15:30,744 It was 11 minutes to 2. 308 00:15:30,744 --> 00:15:33,264 22 minutes before the eruption. 309 00:15:34,744 --> 00:15:36,984 GEOFF: We weren't in any hurry to get back onto the boat. 310 00:15:36,984 --> 00:15:39,984 People had started to load on the inflatable. 311 00:15:39,984 --> 00:15:43,144 We knew there was another tour on the island 312 00:15:43,144 --> 00:15:46,184 because their boat was anchored in the bay as well. 313 00:15:48,224 --> 00:15:51,424 As Allessandro headed back to the jetty, 314 00:15:51,424 --> 00:15:55,744 he filmed another White Island Tours boat anchored in the bay. 315 00:15:55,744 --> 00:16:00,304 It had brought 38 passengers from the Ovation of the Seas, 316 00:16:00,304 --> 00:16:03,144 including Gavin Dallow, his wife, Lisa, 317 00:16:03,144 --> 00:16:03,384 including Gavin Dallow, and her daughter, Zoe. 318 00:16:03,384 --> 00:16:05,144 and her daughter, Zoe. 319 00:16:05,144 --> 00:16:09,944 Among their tour guides were Tipene Maangi, Kelsey Waghorn, 320 00:16:09,944 --> 00:16:10,184 Among their tour guides and Hayden Marshall-Inman. 321 00:16:10,184 --> 00:16:12,144 and Hayden Marshall-Inman. 322 00:16:12,144 --> 00:16:12,384 MAN: He'd been and Hayden Marshall-Inman. 323 00:16:12,384 --> 00:16:15,424 MAN: He'd been with White Island Tours 10 years, 324 00:16:15,424 --> 00:16:15,664 MAN: He'd been and he started as a guide. 325 00:16:15,664 --> 00:16:17,424 and he started as a guide. 326 00:16:17,424 --> 00:16:19,104 And he enjoyed people. 327 00:16:19,104 --> 00:16:20,504 His passion for people was huge, 328 00:16:20,504 --> 00:16:23,864 and his passion for the outdoors, and the ocean, was massive. 329 00:16:23,864 --> 00:16:24,144 So, for him to fit into a job where he could get all of the above and his passion for the outdoors, and the ocean, was massive. 330 00:16:24,144 --> 00:16:27,824 So, for him to fit into a job where he could get all of the above 331 00:16:27,824 --> 00:16:30,424 was like the perfect opportunity for him. 332 00:16:32,304 --> 00:16:34,544 As the group from the Phoenix left the island, 333 00:16:34,544 --> 00:16:39,824 they took some final photos looking up towards the crater lake. 334 00:16:39,824 --> 00:16:42,824 GEOFF: At one point the captain said over the tannoy, 335 00:16:42,824 --> 00:16:43,064 GEOFF: At one point the captain "If you look in the distance, 336 00:16:43,064 --> 00:16:44,384 "If you look in the distance, 337 00:16:44,384 --> 00:16:46,984 "right against the steam cloud of the crater lake, 338 00:16:46,984 --> 00:16:47,224 "right against the steam cloud "you can see some dots," 339 00:16:47,224 --> 00:16:48,704 "you can see some dots," 340 00:16:48,704 --> 00:16:48,944 and those dots "you can see some dots," 341 00:16:48,944 --> 00:16:51,744 and those dots were the other tour party. 342 00:16:51,744 --> 00:16:51,984 and those dots So, he pointed them out. 343 00:16:51,984 --> 00:16:52,824 So, he pointed them out. 344 00:16:52,824 --> 00:16:54,344 There were people up there on the crater lake. 345 00:16:54,344 --> 00:16:54,584 What's unique about that crater There were people up there on the crater lake. 346 00:16:54,584 --> 00:16:56,224 What's unique about that crater 347 00:16:56,224 --> 00:17:00,544 is that it's an amphitheatre-shaped crater with very steep sides, 348 00:17:00,544 --> 00:17:04,424 so you're totally enclosed within a confined space 349 00:17:04,424 --> 00:17:09,144 with nowhere to escape should an event suddenly occur. 350 00:17:12,984 --> 00:17:16,064 At 2:11pm, the Phoenix and its passengers 351 00:17:16,064 --> 00:17:20,784 were about to head back to the mainland when the volcano erupted. 352 00:17:23,384 --> 00:17:24,704 MAN: Oh, my God. 353 00:17:26,424 --> 00:17:27,904 Oh, my God. 354 00:17:27,904 --> 00:17:28,144 GEOFF: As I turned around, I could Oh, my God. 355 00:17:28,144 --> 00:17:32,424 GEOFF: As I turned around, I could see over the top of the canopy, 356 00:17:32,424 --> 00:17:36,224 as I looked up, just this enormous cloud of... 357 00:17:36,224 --> 00:17:39,384 ..black and bright white steam and ash. 358 00:17:41,904 --> 00:17:45,504 Quite beautiful, but just towering, I don't know, 359 00:17:45,504 --> 00:17:48,024 a few hundred metres up into the sky. 360 00:17:48,024 --> 00:17:48,304 And instantly I knew it was erupting, a few hundred metres up into the sky. 361 00:17:48,304 --> 00:17:52,584 And instantly I knew it was erupting, 362 00:17:52,584 --> 00:17:54,384 but just in that second 363 00:17:54,384 --> 00:17:54,624 but just in that second there was just something that was quite beautiful about it. 364 00:17:54,624 --> 00:17:57,824 there was just something that was quite beautiful about it. 365 00:18:01,344 --> 00:18:04,024 These first pictures were filmed by the passengers 366 00:18:04,024 --> 00:18:06,584 as their boat headed away from the island. 367 00:18:14,984 --> 00:18:17,864 GRAHAM: The eruption was short. It only lasted a minute to two. 368 00:18:17,864 --> 00:18:19,624 It was a steam eruption. 369 00:18:19,624 --> 00:18:23,584 The key thing with these steam eruptions is they're unpredictable. 370 00:18:23,584 --> 00:18:27,904 It generated a column of ash and hot water and steam straight up, 371 00:18:27,904 --> 00:18:31,664 and then led into a surge of hot steam and ash 372 00:18:31,664 --> 00:18:31,904 and then led into a surge of moving outwards across the ground. 373 00:18:31,904 --> 00:18:33,784 moving outwards across the ground. 374 00:18:33,784 --> 00:18:36,544 It also looks like it had some flying rocks - 375 00:18:36,544 --> 00:18:38,784 some...what we call ballistics - coming through the air as well. 376 00:18:40,784 --> 00:18:43,464 The system that exploded, the hydrothermal system, 377 00:18:43,464 --> 00:18:46,784 would've been at 200 or 300 degrees or more. 378 00:18:46,784 --> 00:18:47,064 would've been at 200 or 300 degrees or more. There was no opportunity to provide the tourists with a warning 379 00:18:47,064 --> 00:18:51,824 There was no opportunity to provide the tourists with a warning 380 00:18:51,824 --> 00:18:54,544 that there was an impending eruption, 381 00:18:54,544 --> 00:18:59,624 and given that the debris is flying through the air 382 00:18:59,624 --> 00:19:03,424 at speeds of up to 100 metres per second, 383 00:19:03,424 --> 00:19:06,824 that means that people would have had no warning 384 00:19:06,824 --> 00:19:10,024 and no opportunity, really, to seek any safety. 385 00:19:10,024 --> 00:19:10,264 and no opportunity, really, Go, go, go, go, go. 386 00:19:10,264 --> 00:19:12,824 Go, go, go, go, go. 387 00:19:12,824 --> 00:19:13,944 Jesus. 388 00:19:13,944 --> 00:19:17,144 On the Phoenix, awe quickly turned to horror. 389 00:19:17,144 --> 00:19:17,384 On the Phoenix, Go inside! 390 00:19:17,384 --> 00:19:18,864 Go inside! 391 00:19:18,864 --> 00:19:20,504 Go inside! Go inside! 392 00:19:20,504 --> 00:19:20,744 Go inside! Go inside! Go inside! 393 00:19:20,744 --> 00:19:24,384 Go inside! (OVER PA) Everybody inside now. 394 00:19:24,384 --> 00:19:29,304 We were outside, in the back of the boat, 395 00:19:29,304 --> 00:19:33,904 and I just told the people outside just go inside 396 00:19:33,904 --> 00:19:39,184 because I know that the clouds come to us. 397 00:19:46,464 --> 00:19:52,464 GEOFF: There was a rolling ash cloud that came up to the top of a cliff, 398 00:19:52,464 --> 00:19:52,704 GEOFF: There was a rolling ash cloud and as it tumbled over the cliff, 399 00:19:52,704 --> 00:19:54,944 and as it tumbled over the cliff, 400 00:19:54,944 --> 00:19:56,664 and as it tumbled down to the cliff, 401 00:19:56,664 --> 00:20:01,184 it kind of came out and started to come out to the sea. 402 00:20:01,184 --> 00:20:05,064 That completely obscured the whole island. 403 00:20:05,064 --> 00:20:07,064 I'd never seen anything like it. 404 00:20:07,064 --> 00:20:12,384 But at that point there was definitely a shift of, 405 00:20:12,384 --> 00:20:12,624 But at that point I guess, shock and horror. 406 00:20:12,624 --> 00:20:14,224 I guess, shock and horror. 407 00:20:14,224 --> 00:20:17,024 Unbelievable. Unbelievable. 408 00:20:17,024 --> 00:20:17,264 WOMAN: Were there people Unbelievable. Unbelievable. 409 00:20:17,264 --> 00:20:19,544 WOMAN: Were there people still on the island? 410 00:20:27,664 --> 00:20:31,904 Man. I'm shocked at how... Look. 411 00:20:31,904 --> 00:20:33,624 Everybody sat down. 412 00:20:33,624 --> 00:20:40,184 And I think at that stage was when reality was really kicking in, 413 00:20:40,184 --> 00:20:43,024 that we knew there were other people on the island. 414 00:20:44,504 --> 00:20:49,144 47 people, including 38 passengers from the Ovation of the Seas, 415 00:20:49,144 --> 00:20:49,384 47 people, including 38 passengers were still on the island. 416 00:20:49,384 --> 00:20:51,704 were still on the island. 417 00:20:51,704 --> 00:20:53,344 After escaping the ash cloud, 418 00:20:53,344 --> 00:20:53,584 the captain of the Phoenix After escaping the ash cloud, 419 00:20:53,584 --> 00:20:56,784 the captain of the Phoenix turned back to the jetty to help. 420 00:20:56,784 --> 00:20:57,024 the captain of the Phoenix Look at the boat! 421 00:20:57,024 --> 00:20:58,104 Look at the boat! 422 00:20:58,104 --> 00:21:00,024 WOMAN: Oh, my God, there are people there! 423 00:21:00,024 --> 00:21:00,264 WOMAN: Oh, my God, Oh, no. 424 00:21:00,264 --> 00:21:01,784 Oh, no. 425 00:21:03,944 --> 00:21:06,344 Oh, my God. 426 00:21:06,344 --> 00:21:10,424 The island was now just monotone grey. 427 00:21:10,424 --> 00:21:11,784 There was no colour to it at all. 428 00:21:11,784 --> 00:21:15,384 It was if someone had taken a can of undercoat spray 429 00:21:15,384 --> 00:21:15,624 It was if someone had taken and just sprayed everything. 430 00:21:15,624 --> 00:21:17,464 and just sprayed everything. 431 00:21:17,464 --> 00:21:21,584 The other tour group's boat that was anchored, 432 00:21:21,584 --> 00:21:24,904 again was completely, and perfectly evenly, 433 00:21:24,904 --> 00:21:25,144 again was completely, covered in ash. 434 00:21:25,144 --> 00:21:26,864 covered in ash. 435 00:21:35,584 --> 00:21:39,344 The first thing I could see was one person in the water 436 00:21:39,344 --> 00:21:39,584 The first thing I could see was one person in the water swimming out to that boat. 437 00:21:39,584 --> 00:21:42,144 swimming out to that boat. 438 00:21:42,144 --> 00:21:44,184 And then I could see another person swimming, 439 00:21:44,184 --> 00:21:44,424 And then I could see and then I saw a third person. 440 00:21:44,424 --> 00:21:46,184 and then I saw a third person. 441 00:21:46,184 --> 00:21:46,424 And then I could see others that and then I saw a third person. 442 00:21:46,424 --> 00:21:50,704 And then I could see others that were gathered around the jetty 443 00:21:50,704 --> 00:21:54,624 where we'd got on and off from, where we'd landed on the island. 444 00:21:57,304 --> 00:21:59,824 MAN: Look at the helicopter there. Oh. 445 00:21:59,824 --> 00:22:00,064 MAN: Look at the helicopter there. WOMAN: Oh, my God. 446 00:22:00,064 --> 00:22:01,984 WOMAN: Oh, my God. 447 00:22:01,984 --> 00:22:03,424 The next thing they saw 448 00:22:03,424 --> 00:22:06,224 was the mangled Volcanic Air helicopter 449 00:22:06,224 --> 00:22:08,744 that had been blown off its landing pad. 450 00:22:08,744 --> 00:22:12,264 GEOFF: The helicopter was just looking crippled 451 00:22:12,264 --> 00:22:12,504 GEOFF: The helicopter with its broken rotors. 452 00:22:12,504 --> 00:22:14,304 with its broken rotors. 453 00:22:14,304 --> 00:22:15,464 Come on, guys. 454 00:22:15,464 --> 00:22:20,944 And at that stage, the crew had lowered the inflatable boat, 455 00:22:20,944 --> 00:22:23,984 and they'd started a rescue mission to pick people up. 456 00:22:25,664 --> 00:22:29,384 LILLANI: One of the tour guides that I had spoken quite closely with, 457 00:22:29,384 --> 00:22:31,904 she came in to get some first aid kits, 458 00:22:31,904 --> 00:22:35,064 and me and Dad went up and asked her if she needed help, 459 00:22:35,064 --> 00:22:37,104 because we both have our first aid certificates. 460 00:22:37,104 --> 00:22:39,344 And she said that she needed all the help she can get. 461 00:22:39,344 --> 00:22:39,584 And she said that she needed all the help she can get. She's got multiple burn victims. 462 00:22:39,584 --> 00:22:40,984 She's got multiple burn victims. 463 00:22:44,864 --> 00:22:47,704 As injured survivors were brought onto the Phoenix, 464 00:22:47,704 --> 00:22:51,184 the crew asked passengers not to film. 465 00:22:51,184 --> 00:22:54,624 ALINE: When the first people got to the boat, 466 00:22:54,624 --> 00:22:58,104 like, most of them was really, really hurt. 467 00:22:58,104 --> 00:22:58,384 We started to help them to clean that ash, like, most of them was really, really hurt. 468 00:22:58,384 --> 00:23:01,704 We started to help them to clean that ash, 469 00:23:01,704 --> 00:23:05,544 and they were feeling pain, much pain. 470 00:23:05,544 --> 00:23:05,784 and they were feeling pain, much pain. Some people was quiet, very quiet. 471 00:23:05,784 --> 00:23:09,584 Some people was quiet, very quiet. 472 00:23:09,584 --> 00:23:12,064 Some people was screaming. 473 00:23:12,064 --> 00:23:14,104 Some people was crying. 474 00:23:20,864 --> 00:23:23,384 GEOFF: First thing that I saw 475 00:23:23,384 --> 00:23:28,184 was a survivor came on the back of the boat 476 00:23:28,184 --> 00:23:28,424 was a survivor and she was just burnt 477 00:23:28,424 --> 00:23:33,104 and she was just burnt 478 00:23:33,104 --> 00:23:36,144 like I've never seen burns before. 479 00:23:36,144 --> 00:23:40,664 Some were just in T-shirts and shorts, 480 00:23:40,664 --> 00:23:44,464 so their whole arms were burnt, or their legs were burnt. 481 00:23:44,464 --> 00:23:48,464 And really, all we could do was just try and cool them with fresh water. 482 00:23:53,904 --> 00:23:55,664 LILLANI: A lot of them had lost skin. 483 00:23:55,664 --> 00:23:58,504 so put clothing over it to act as skin, 484 00:23:58,504 --> 00:24:00,384 and then we'd pour water onto that clothing. 485 00:24:01,664 --> 00:24:05,024 And then once we had, I guess, cooled people's burns, 486 00:24:05,024 --> 00:24:07,584 I cleared eyes and airways. 487 00:24:07,584 --> 00:24:09,504 People had ash in their mouths. 488 00:24:09,504 --> 00:24:11,664 It was a case of keeping people 489 00:24:11,664 --> 00:24:13,864 from going in and out of consciousness, 490 00:24:13,864 --> 00:24:15,144 people going in shock. 491 00:24:16,584 --> 00:24:20,264 One of the first people brought onboard was Kelsey Waghorn, 492 00:24:20,264 --> 00:24:25,304 the White Island tours guide, who survived with terrible burns. 493 00:24:25,304 --> 00:24:29,264 She had severe burns to her hands, her arms, her legs, 494 00:24:29,264 --> 00:24:29,504 She had severe burns to her hands, due to, I guess, her clothing,. 495 00:24:29,504 --> 00:24:31,424 due to, I guess, her clothing,. 496 00:24:31,424 --> 00:24:35,584 Quite a few people that had very, I guess, protective clothing on 497 00:24:35,584 --> 00:24:39,304 were mostly just burnt on their faces and their hands, 498 00:24:39,304 --> 00:24:39,544 were mostly just burnt which were not as severe 499 00:24:39,544 --> 00:24:41,784 which were not as severe 500 00:24:41,784 --> 00:24:45,584 as those that had burns over their whole body. 501 00:24:45,584 --> 00:24:49,104 The most severe burns were ones that had no skin left. 502 00:24:49,104 --> 00:24:51,784 It would just... kind of dripped off them like wax. 503 00:24:51,784 --> 00:24:56,144 And that's something that I never thought I'd ever see, 504 00:24:56,144 --> 00:24:58,304 and something I hope I never have to see again. 505 00:25:01,184 --> 00:25:03,904 With more than 20 victims loaded onboard, 506 00:25:03,904 --> 00:25:04,144 With more than 20 victims the Phoenix quickly became crowded. 507 00:25:04,144 --> 00:25:05,824 the Phoenix quickly became crowded. 508 00:25:07,184 --> 00:25:09,424 GEOFF: I ended up at the front of the boat 509 00:25:09,424 --> 00:25:12,104 with six of the most critical. 510 00:25:12,104 --> 00:25:16,504 And these were laid out on the floor, in and out of consciousness, 511 00:25:16,504 --> 00:25:20,464 eyes shut, not really making any sound at all, 512 00:25:20,464 --> 00:25:20,744 as opposed to, I guess, the ones at the back eyes shut, not really making any sound at all, 513 00:25:20,744 --> 00:25:23,304 as opposed to, I guess, the ones at the back 514 00:25:23,304 --> 00:25:23,544 as opposed to, I guess, which were more screaming, crying. 515 00:25:23,544 --> 00:25:26,944 which were more screaming, crying. 516 00:25:26,944 --> 00:25:27,184 which were more screaming, crying. And there was a real mixture in there. 517 00:25:27,184 --> 00:25:28,984 And there was a real mixture in there. 518 00:25:31,144 --> 00:25:34,864 Geoff was on the front of the boat with American Lauren Urey. 519 00:25:34,864 --> 00:25:38,264 She was on her honeymoon with her husband, Matthew. 520 00:25:38,264 --> 00:25:41,544 They were both seriously injured, but survived. 521 00:25:41,544 --> 00:25:41,784 They were both seriously injured, She was in so much pain. 522 00:25:41,784 --> 00:25:43,704 She was in so much pain. 523 00:25:43,704 --> 00:25:47,744 She was burnt pretty much across most of her body. 524 00:25:47,744 --> 00:25:52,064 She was then starting to drift in and out of consciousness. 525 00:25:52,064 --> 00:25:52,304 She was then starting to drift She really became my sole focus. 526 00:25:52,304 --> 00:25:55,104 She really became my sole focus. 527 00:25:55,104 --> 00:25:59,184 She asked me not to leave her, and I promised I wouldn't, 528 00:25:59,184 --> 00:26:03,744 and that became...I wasn't going to break that promise. 529 00:26:03,744 --> 00:26:05,144 That's where I stayed. 530 00:26:10,824 --> 00:26:13,784 ALINE: There are the moments that everyone was feeling so cold. 531 00:26:13,784 --> 00:26:16,784 I gave all of the clothes, the tops, the jackets we could 532 00:26:16,784 --> 00:26:17,024 I gave all of the clothes, to keep them warm. 533 00:26:17,024 --> 00:26:18,424 to keep them warm. 534 00:26:18,424 --> 00:26:18,664 But there was a moment that it wasn't enough. to keep them warm. 535 00:26:18,664 --> 00:26:20,944 But there was a moment that it wasn't enough. 536 00:26:21,864 --> 00:26:24,584 It wasn't enough. They were feeling so cold. 537 00:26:24,584 --> 00:26:24,824 It wasn't enough. They were feeling so cold. They were losing temperature. 538 00:26:24,824 --> 00:26:26,584 They were losing temperature. 539 00:26:27,864 --> 00:26:30,624 So, what we could do was hug them, 540 00:26:30,624 --> 00:26:35,904 trying to warm up with our arms and their body. 541 00:26:37,544 --> 00:26:43,944 And I think it may make them alive maybe. 542 00:26:45,664 --> 00:26:47,384 Another victim brought onto the Phoenix 543 00:26:47,384 --> 00:26:51,224 was 72-year-old Australian man John Cozad, 544 00:26:51,224 --> 00:26:53,944 who'd been on the volcano tour with his son, Chris. 545 00:26:56,424 --> 00:26:59,024 ALINE: I remember this elderly guy, 546 00:26:59,024 --> 00:27:02,544 and he was really worried with his son. 547 00:27:02,544 --> 00:27:04,784 He was the person who was most worried about. 548 00:27:04,784 --> 00:27:05,024 He was the person He was feeling cold, 549 00:27:05,024 --> 00:27:07,744 He was feeling cold, 550 00:27:07,744 --> 00:27:11,224 and he was starting to get purple 551 00:27:11,224 --> 00:27:13,824 and really, really quiet. 552 00:27:13,824 --> 00:27:16,024 I was so worried, I just hug him... 553 00:27:17,344 --> 00:27:20,704 ..and gave him what I could do at that moment. 554 00:27:20,704 --> 00:27:22,664 Till we got the coast, I did it. 555 00:27:24,424 --> 00:27:29,264 And I saw after he was coming back, his colour. 556 00:27:29,264 --> 00:27:30,744 I think it helped. 557 00:27:32,144 --> 00:27:36,464 John survived, but his son Chris died later in hospital. 558 00:27:38,704 --> 00:27:43,344 It seemed like eternity to get the coast again 559 00:27:43,344 --> 00:27:43,584 It seemed like eternity because it was really far. 560 00:27:43,584 --> 00:27:45,504 because it was really far. 561 00:27:45,504 --> 00:27:47,024 The island's far from the coast. 562 00:27:49,864 --> 00:27:52,104 People on the mainland saw the eruption 563 00:27:52,104 --> 00:27:55,664 but they had no idea the horror that was unfolding. 564 00:27:57,024 --> 00:27:59,944 Tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman's brother Mark 565 00:27:59,944 --> 00:28:00,184 Tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman's could see the volcano from his home. 566 00:28:00,184 --> 00:28:02,424 could see the volcano from his home. 567 00:28:02,424 --> 00:28:05,184 I think the first contact I had was from my wife 568 00:28:05,184 --> 00:28:06,424 and she could see some smoke. 569 00:28:06,424 --> 00:28:08,104 She said, "What's going on? Is that White Island?" 570 00:28:08,104 --> 00:28:08,344 She said, "What's going on? I said, "What do you mean?" 571 00:28:08,344 --> 00:28:09,184 I said, "What do you mean?" 572 00:28:09,184 --> 00:28:10,944 She said, "I can see smoke. Is that White?" 573 00:28:10,944 --> 00:28:12,864 And I said, "Oh, I'll have a quick look." 574 00:28:12,864 --> 00:28:13,144 I made a few phone calls, firstly to my dad, if he's... And I said, "Oh, I'll have a quick look." 575 00:28:13,144 --> 00:28:16,704 I made a few phone calls, firstly to my dad, if he's... 576 00:28:16,704 --> 00:28:16,944 I made a few phone calls, "Did Hayden go to work today?" 577 00:28:16,944 --> 00:28:18,104 "Did Hayden go to work today?" 578 00:28:18,104 --> 00:28:18,344 was one of the first things, "Did Hayden go to work today?" 579 00:28:18,344 --> 00:28:19,784 was one of the first things, you know. 580 00:28:19,784 --> 00:28:20,064 was one of the first things, you know. When we both couldn't get hold of him, 581 00:28:20,064 --> 00:28:21,824 When we both couldn't get hold of him, 582 00:28:21,824 --> 00:28:22,064 When we both uh...we just made the assumption 583 00:28:22,064 --> 00:28:25,104 uh...we just made the assumption 584 00:28:25,104 --> 00:28:26,864 that he had gone, which he had. 585 00:28:26,864 --> 00:28:27,104 He'd gone as a guide, that he had gone, which he had. 586 00:28:27,104 --> 00:28:29,744 He'd gone as a guide, rather than a skipper this day. 587 00:28:37,144 --> 00:28:39,064 As news of the eruption spread, 588 00:28:39,064 --> 00:28:40,464 a group of helicopter pilots 589 00:28:40,464 --> 00:28:43,064 who regularly took visitors to White Island 590 00:28:43,064 --> 00:28:45,864 launched a remarkable rescue operation. 591 00:28:45,864 --> 00:28:46,104 launched a remarkable TOM: It was about quarter past two. 592 00:28:46,104 --> 00:28:47,624 TOM: It was about quarter past two. 593 00:28:47,624 --> 00:28:47,864 My phone rung and another pilot, Luke Lamont, who works out at Kahu TOM: It was about quarter past two. 594 00:28:47,864 --> 00:28:52,264 My phone rung and another pilot, Luke Lamont, who works out at Kahu 595 00:28:52,264 --> 00:28:55,344 rung me and said the island looked like it was blowing up. 596 00:28:58,464 --> 00:29:01,264 I didn't know if anyone was on the island. 597 00:29:01,264 --> 00:29:03,584 I just decided I was going to be more help back at the hangar 598 00:29:03,584 --> 00:29:05,424 if there was anything I could do to help. 599 00:29:09,704 --> 00:29:12,944 Tom's boss, Mark Law, jumped in one helicopter. 600 00:29:15,624 --> 00:29:19,304 Tom and another pilot, Jason Hill, got into another. 601 00:29:22,544 --> 00:29:25,504 We were just going there hoping that we're going to find everyone 602 00:29:25,504 --> 00:29:25,744 We were just going there hoping taking photos of it, safe and sound. 603 00:29:25,744 --> 00:29:27,984 taking photos of it, safe and sound. 604 00:29:33,584 --> 00:29:38,304 In nearby Rotorua, Volcanic Air pilot Tim Barrow was in his hangar 605 00:29:38,304 --> 00:29:38,544 In nearby Rotorua, Volcanic Air when he heard about the eruption. 606 00:29:38,544 --> 00:29:40,784 when he heard about the eruption. 607 00:29:43,064 --> 00:29:47,344 And I grabbed the first aircraft that was ready to fly, basically, 608 00:29:47,344 --> 00:29:50,624 and one of my guys, and we got airborne. 609 00:29:50,624 --> 00:29:50,904 There was no second-guessing, no hesitation. and one of my guys, and we got airborne. 610 00:29:50,904 --> 00:29:52,464 There was no second-guessing, no hesitation. 611 00:29:52,464 --> 00:29:56,464 It was as simple as going and getting the job done 612 00:29:56,464 --> 00:29:57,864 to the best of our ability. 613 00:29:59,304 --> 00:30:01,584 They didn't know it as they flew out there, 614 00:30:01,584 --> 00:30:05,584 but there were 20 people still on the island, some badly injured, 615 00:30:05,584 --> 00:30:05,824 but there were 20 people still others already dead. 616 00:30:05,824 --> 00:30:07,544 others already dead. 617 00:30:08,824 --> 00:30:10,584 I suppose my first recollection 618 00:30:10,584 --> 00:30:10,824 was the view that I got I suppose my first recollection 619 00:30:10,824 --> 00:30:14,064 was the view that I got from the advantage of being high, 620 00:30:14,064 --> 00:30:16,304 you know, being able to look down into the crater 621 00:30:16,304 --> 00:30:16,544 you know, being able to look down and seeing the steam and the ash. 622 00:30:16,544 --> 00:30:18,424 and seeing the steam and the ash. 623 00:30:20,424 --> 00:30:24,304 We landed behind that helicopter that was blown off the pad. 624 00:30:24,304 --> 00:30:27,344 It was at that point there, that me and Jase looked at each other 625 00:30:27,344 --> 00:30:30,864 and realised that must've been quite a significant force 626 00:30:30,864 --> 00:30:33,384 to push that helicopter off that pad that far 627 00:30:33,384 --> 00:30:33,624 to push that helicopter and do the damage it had done. 628 00:30:33,624 --> 00:30:35,624 and do the damage it had done. 629 00:30:35,624 --> 00:30:35,864 So that was really when it hit that, yeah, and do the damage it had done. 630 00:30:35,864 --> 00:30:38,824 So that was really when it hit that, yeah, 631 00:30:38,824 --> 00:30:40,544 this has been quite a serious event. 632 00:30:43,584 --> 00:30:46,784 Mark grabbed us and gave us a plan to do. 633 00:30:46,784 --> 00:30:49,344 So pretty much said, "Alright guys, we've got some victims. 634 00:30:49,344 --> 00:30:50,624 "They're in this vicinity. 635 00:30:50,624 --> 00:30:53,104 "There is a range of different injuries. 636 00:30:53,104 --> 00:30:54,784 "We'll go there and just help them 637 00:30:54,784 --> 00:30:55,024 "as much as we can "We'll go there and just help them 638 00:30:55,024 --> 00:30:57,264 "as much as we can till help arrives." 639 00:30:57,264 --> 00:31:02,104 So, we got to the victims, started helping them, 640 00:31:02,104 --> 00:31:04,104 putting on gas masks, giving them water, 641 00:31:04,104 --> 00:31:05,904 putting them in the recovery position, 642 00:31:05,904 --> 00:31:07,144 making them as comfortable as we can. 643 00:31:07,144 --> 00:31:09,024 Just reassuring them that we are there. 644 00:31:09,024 --> 00:31:11,544 We are there to help and, "We are going to get you off the island," 645 00:31:11,544 --> 00:31:13,224 and "You're not alone". 646 00:31:15,384 --> 00:31:18,104 The conditions they were working in were toxic. 647 00:31:19,464 --> 00:31:22,224 Without a gas mask, it was really hard to breathe. 648 00:31:22,224 --> 00:31:22,464 Without a gas mask, Almost impossible to breathe. 649 00:31:22,464 --> 00:31:23,864 Almost impossible to breathe. 650 00:31:23,864 --> 00:31:27,384 Just real sharp sting in your throat. 651 00:31:27,384 --> 00:31:30,624 And if you got sweat or anything in your eye - 652 00:31:30,624 --> 00:31:35,184 I was wearing sunglasses out there - your eyes would start burning. 653 00:31:35,184 --> 00:31:37,784 In some places, it was kind of a foot-deep of ash, 654 00:31:37,784 --> 00:31:42,944 kind of halfway up to your knee, that you were running through. 655 00:31:42,944 --> 00:31:45,184 And kinda quite eerie as the volcano, 656 00:31:45,184 --> 00:31:47,064 you could still see it was still ashing 657 00:31:47,064 --> 00:31:47,304 you could still see at the time we were out there. 658 00:31:47,304 --> 00:31:48,744 at the time we were out there. 659 00:31:48,744 --> 00:31:50,464 It was still raining ash on us. 660 00:31:52,184 --> 00:31:57,584 The pilots carried a total of 12 people onto three helicopters. 661 00:31:57,584 --> 00:31:57,824 The pilots carried a total of I know of one person that I carried 662 00:31:57,824 --> 00:32:01,704 I know of one person that I carried 663 00:32:01,704 --> 00:32:03,184 that was alive when I was carrying, 664 00:32:03,184 --> 00:32:05,424 but by the time I'd got to the helicopter, 665 00:32:05,424 --> 00:32:08,424 I had a suspicion that they may have passed away. 666 00:32:08,424 --> 00:32:09,704 I told Mark 667 00:32:09,704 --> 00:32:13,624 and Mark said, "We'll just carry on and just put them in there." 668 00:32:15,784 --> 00:32:19,824 Obviously, I felt hugely concerned for the two survivors 669 00:32:19,824 --> 00:32:21,264 that we had on board. 670 00:32:21,264 --> 00:32:22,704 They weren't in good shape. 671 00:32:22,704 --> 00:32:22,944 And I wish I could have sped that flight up 100 times They weren't in good shape. 672 00:32:22,944 --> 00:32:26,704 And I wish I could have sped that flight up 100 times 673 00:32:26,704 --> 00:32:30,984 and had those guys back in a millisecond, not the time it took. 674 00:32:34,544 --> 00:32:37,224 What condition were they in when you helped them off the chopper? 675 00:32:37,224 --> 00:32:41,584 One of our passengers sadly had passed away on the flight back, 676 00:32:41,584 --> 00:32:47,104 and the other one was in a bad way. 677 00:32:47,104 --> 00:32:48,504 Yeah. 678 00:32:53,384 --> 00:32:55,624 Despite the risk of another eruption, 679 00:32:55,624 --> 00:32:58,984 Tom stayed on the island to search for more survivors. 680 00:33:00,384 --> 00:33:03,144 As he ran down the creek towards the sea, 681 00:33:03,144 --> 00:33:06,424 he found the body of tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman. 682 00:33:09,104 --> 00:33:11,824 To be honest, it was no surprise I come across Hayden's body. 683 00:33:11,824 --> 00:33:13,504 If anyone was going to be left on the island, 684 00:33:13,504 --> 00:33:13,744 If anyone was going to be left it was going to be Hayden. 685 00:33:13,744 --> 00:33:15,104 it was going to be Hayden. 686 00:33:15,104 --> 00:33:19,904 I ran down to him and pulled him out of the creek, 687 00:33:19,904 --> 00:33:20,144 I ran down to him and and just propped him up on a rock. 688 00:33:20,144 --> 00:33:21,624 and just propped him up on a rock. 689 00:33:21,624 --> 00:33:21,864 And, at that stage I thought, and just propped him up on a rock. 690 00:33:21,864 --> 00:33:24,504 And, at that stage I thought, "Right, we'll start running around 691 00:33:24,504 --> 00:33:27,424 "and see if we can find any more people." 692 00:33:29,344 --> 00:33:33,384 Further up the creek, Tom found the body of another guide, 693 00:33:33,384 --> 00:33:33,624 Further up the creek, Tom found Tipene Maangi. 694 00:33:33,624 --> 00:33:34,984 Tipene Maangi. 695 00:33:36,344 --> 00:33:40,584 What was pretty obvious is that the first group of people we had found, 696 00:33:40,584 --> 00:33:43,264 there was already a first-aid kit there, opened. 697 00:33:43,264 --> 00:33:46,584 So we're 100% certain that Tipene and Hayden 698 00:33:46,584 --> 00:33:46,824 So we're 100% certain actually come across that group 699 00:33:46,824 --> 00:33:48,624 actually come across that group 700 00:33:48,624 --> 00:33:48,864 and helped them and started actually come across that group 701 00:33:48,864 --> 00:33:51,464 and helped them and started offering them first aid. 702 00:33:51,464 --> 00:33:51,704 and helped them and started And I think a huge part of us 703 00:33:51,704 --> 00:33:54,704 And I think a huge part of us 704 00:33:54,704 --> 00:33:56,544 being able to find those people still alive 705 00:33:56,544 --> 00:33:59,824 was because of those two guys' actions. 706 00:34:01,224 --> 00:34:03,704 There were five other bodies nearby. 707 00:34:05,384 --> 00:34:07,944 I found two girls that were there at the time. 708 00:34:07,944 --> 00:34:11,024 Unfortunately, they passed away not long after I'd found them. 709 00:34:11,024 --> 00:34:14,144 So we just made them comfortable, as we could. 710 00:34:14,144 --> 00:34:17,224 It wasn't till we were coming back along by the factory 711 00:34:17,224 --> 00:34:20,784 that we found another victim across the creek from us. 712 00:34:22,184 --> 00:34:25,984 So, we crossed the creek and went up to that victim. 713 00:34:27,144 --> 00:34:29,024 Unfortunately, they were passed away. 714 00:34:30,584 --> 00:34:34,864 That was 17-year old teenager Winona Langford. 715 00:34:34,864 --> 00:34:37,864 She'd been on the tour with her parents, Kristine and Anthony, 716 00:34:37,864 --> 00:34:38,104 She'd been on the tour with and brother Jesse. 717 00:34:38,104 --> 00:34:39,344 and brother Jesse. 718 00:34:39,344 --> 00:34:40,984 Only Jesse survived. 719 00:34:45,184 --> 00:34:48,904 Finally search and rescue paramedics arrived by helicopter 720 00:34:48,904 --> 00:34:49,144 Finally search and rescue paramedics and landed near the jetty. 721 00:34:49,144 --> 00:34:50,864 and landed near the jetty. 722 00:34:53,584 --> 00:34:55,224 I talked to a medic there, 723 00:34:55,224 --> 00:34:57,704 explained to them where I'd placed the bodies, 724 00:34:57,704 --> 00:35:00,584 that we had eight victims that I knew of at the time 725 00:35:00,584 --> 00:35:02,544 that were all deceased. 726 00:35:02,544 --> 00:35:02,784 I didn't know if anyone else was on the island at that point. that were all deceased. 727 00:35:02,784 --> 00:35:05,664 I didn't know if anyone else was on the island at that point. 728 00:35:05,664 --> 00:35:08,904 I could just identify the eight that we'd come across. 729 00:35:08,904 --> 00:35:11,944 It was at that point that we were then instructed 730 00:35:11,944 --> 00:35:13,224 to leave the island. 731 00:35:16,384 --> 00:35:19,344 When the injured survivors arrived at the mainland, 732 00:35:19,344 --> 00:35:22,064 they were met by emergency services. 733 00:35:25,904 --> 00:35:28,784 LILLANI: There was everyone you could ever have managed. 734 00:35:28,784 --> 00:35:31,544 There were doctors, there were fire, there were ambulance, 735 00:35:31,544 --> 00:35:32,944 there was coast guard. 736 00:35:32,944 --> 00:35:36,264 They were getting us to help them with those who were most critical, 737 00:35:36,264 --> 00:35:36,504 and then getting them off the boat. They were getting us to help them with those who were most critical, 738 00:35:36,504 --> 00:35:38,424 and then getting them off the boat. 739 00:35:38,424 --> 00:35:38,664 and then getting them off the boat. the rest were on stretchers. 740 00:35:38,664 --> 00:35:41,464 Those that could walk, were walked, the rest were on stretchers. 741 00:35:41,464 --> 00:35:41,744 Those that could walk, were walked, the rest were on stretchers. Mark Inman was still waiting for news of his brother Hayden. 742 00:35:41,744 --> 00:35:45,704 Mark Inman was still waiting for news of his brother Hayden. 743 00:35:47,864 --> 00:35:50,984 MARK: That first boat arrived, and Hayden wasn't on it. 744 00:35:50,984 --> 00:35:53,264 And obviously, a lot of his friends are in the crew, 745 00:35:53,264 --> 00:35:53,544 and one of the skippers actually said And obviously, a lot of his friends are in the crew, 746 00:35:53,544 --> 00:35:54,784 and one of the skippers actually said 747 00:35:54,784 --> 00:35:55,024 and one of the skippers that Hayden didn't get on the boat. 748 00:35:55,024 --> 00:35:57,264 that Hayden didn't get on the boat. 749 00:35:57,264 --> 00:35:57,504 He's not on the boat. that Hayden didn't get on the boat. 750 00:35:57,504 --> 00:35:59,144 He's not on the boat. He's supposed to be on this one. 751 00:35:59,144 --> 00:35:59,384 He's not on the boat. He's not there. 752 00:35:59,384 --> 00:36:01,144 He's not there. 753 00:36:01,144 --> 00:36:01,384 He's not there. And in that meantime, we'd heard from the pilots 754 00:36:01,384 --> 00:36:04,704 And in that meantime, we'd heard from the pilots 755 00:36:04,704 --> 00:36:08,944 that they're pretty sure he... Hayden never made it. 756 00:36:20,024 --> 00:36:23,224 On board the cruise ship the Ovation of the Seas, 757 00:36:23,224 --> 00:36:25,624 families were waiting for their loved ones 758 00:36:25,624 --> 00:36:28,584 to return from the day trip to White Island. 759 00:36:29,824 --> 00:36:32,784 Hours passed before they found out what had happened. 760 00:36:35,464 --> 00:36:37,144 RITA: There are accounts of people 761 00:36:37,144 --> 00:36:38,944 who only found out about this tragedy 762 00:36:38,944 --> 00:36:39,184 who only found out about through a panicked phone call 763 00:36:39,184 --> 00:36:40,544 through a panicked phone call 764 00:36:40,544 --> 00:36:40,784 from a family member through a panicked phone call 765 00:36:40,784 --> 00:36:42,464 from a family member back in Australia 766 00:36:42,464 --> 00:36:46,464 saying, "Turn on the TV and look at what's happened on White Island." 767 00:36:48,144 --> 00:36:51,064 The accounts I've heard are that the staff members 768 00:36:51,064 --> 00:36:54,224 did not communicate and when they were confronted about it, 769 00:36:54,224 --> 00:36:57,384 they told the family members to sit in a room 770 00:36:57,384 --> 00:36:57,664 they told the family members to sit in a room for an extended amount of time, with no information, 771 00:36:57,664 --> 00:37:01,384 for an extended amount of time, with no information, 772 00:37:01,384 --> 00:37:03,904 and wasted precious hours that they could have been using 773 00:37:03,904 --> 00:37:06,864 to see their family members in hospital 774 00:37:06,864 --> 00:37:07,104 to see their family members before a lot of them did pass away. 775 00:37:07,104 --> 00:37:09,344 before a lot of them did pass away. 776 00:37:11,904 --> 00:37:14,904 Gavin Dallow, his wife, Lisa, and her daughter, Zoe, 777 00:37:14,904 --> 00:37:17,944 were among those who hadn't returned to the cruise ship. 778 00:37:21,104 --> 00:37:24,384 As we go to air tonight, at least 27 people are missing 779 00:37:24,384 --> 00:37:27,944 after a volcano erupted off the coast of New Zealand. 780 00:37:27,944 --> 00:37:30,544 One person has been confirmed dead, but authorities... 781 00:37:30,544 --> 00:37:34,064 BRIAN: We were watching the six o'clock news, 782 00:37:34,064 --> 00:37:35,704 and they said about it... 783 00:37:35,704 --> 00:37:38,664 REPORTER: New Zealand's most active volcano exploded... 784 00:37:38,664 --> 00:37:43,264 And then our nephew rang and said that he knew he was on the island. 785 00:37:43,264 --> 00:37:43,544 So first instinct, of course, was to dial his mobile phone, And then our nephew rang and said that he knew he was on the island. 786 00:37:43,544 --> 00:37:49,544 So first instinct, of course, was to dial his mobile phone, 787 00:37:49,544 --> 00:37:49,784 So first instinct, of course, of course several times. 788 00:37:49,784 --> 00:37:52,144 of course several times. 789 00:37:52,144 --> 00:37:55,664 But we didn't get an answer, naturally, 790 00:37:55,664 --> 00:37:55,904 But we didn't get an answer, naturally, so we knew there was something up. 791 00:37:55,904 --> 00:37:57,824 so we knew there was something up. 792 00:37:57,824 --> 00:37:58,064 We knew Gavin was on the island, we knew Zoe was on the island, so we knew there was something up. 793 00:37:58,064 --> 00:38:01,024 We knew Gavin was on the island, we knew Zoe was on the island, 794 00:38:01,024 --> 00:38:02,624 we knew they were in the shore party - 795 00:38:02,624 --> 00:38:06,024 we were told that by the authorities in New Zealand. 796 00:38:06,024 --> 00:38:06,264 we were told that by the authorities in New Zealand. So, we knew they were in that party. 797 00:38:06,264 --> 00:38:08,224 So, we knew they were in that party. 798 00:38:08,224 --> 00:38:10,744 But you have no idea who got off or who didn't, 799 00:38:10,744 --> 00:38:13,064 and who was burnt and who had been injured 800 00:38:13,064 --> 00:38:13,304 and who was burnt and all those sorts of things. 801 00:38:13,304 --> 00:38:14,864 and all those sorts of things. 802 00:38:14,864 --> 00:38:16,304 So, you had no idea. 803 00:38:16,304 --> 00:38:18,384 You just knew they were there. 804 00:38:18,384 --> 00:38:21,504 We were holding out hope that he might be in hospital, 805 00:38:21,504 --> 00:38:24,344 but that was in vain. 806 00:38:24,344 --> 00:38:29,864 I think in the back of our minds, we knew something was really wrong. 807 00:38:29,864 --> 00:38:30,104 I think in the back of our minds, And on Saturday, they rung us to say 808 00:38:30,104 --> 00:38:33,304 And on Saturday, they rung us to say 809 00:38:33,304 --> 00:38:35,784 that he had been officially identified. 810 00:38:36,864 --> 00:38:40,584 And from then on, it was just a matter of bringing him home. 811 00:38:44,904 --> 00:38:48,624 There were eight bodies still left on the island. 812 00:38:48,624 --> 00:38:50,544 The effort to rescue them was delayed 813 00:38:50,544 --> 00:38:50,784 The effort to rescue them because of fears of another eruption. 814 00:38:50,784 --> 00:38:52,824 because of fears of another eruption. 815 00:38:53,824 --> 00:38:56,064 MARK: We were sort of almost assured that, 816 00:38:56,064 --> 00:39:00,344 "Don't worry, we've put him somewhere, and we're heading back." 817 00:39:00,344 --> 00:39:03,104 And then when that call was made not to go back... 818 00:39:08,824 --> 00:39:10,784 That was a moment in time... 819 00:39:13,664 --> 00:39:15,384 ..that changed everything. 820 00:39:19,784 --> 00:39:23,784 Yeah, that moment in time meant we'd never see him again. 821 00:39:27,184 --> 00:39:30,624 When official rescue teams arrived on the island four days later, 822 00:39:30,624 --> 00:39:30,864 When official rescue teams arrived only six bodies were there. 823 00:39:30,864 --> 00:39:33,104 only six bodies were there. 824 00:39:35,144 --> 00:39:38,624 The bodies of Hayden Marshall-Inman and Winona Langford 825 00:39:38,624 --> 00:39:40,864 had been washed away by heavy rain. 826 00:39:44,624 --> 00:39:48,584 There isn't a day goes by that you don't... Oh, shit. 827 00:39:48,584 --> 00:39:49,864 There isn't a day go by 828 00:39:49,864 --> 00:39:52,584 that you don't think about both Winona and Hayden 829 00:39:52,584 --> 00:39:55,544 because, as we said, Hayden would always be the last man standing. 830 00:39:55,544 --> 00:39:55,784 because, as we said, Hayden would He's become the guardian of Whakaari 831 00:39:55,784 --> 00:39:58,944 He's become the guardian of Whakaari 832 00:39:58,944 --> 00:40:01,144 and he had opportunity to come home 833 00:40:01,144 --> 00:40:04,144 and he chose to stay and look after Winona, so. 834 00:40:07,544 --> 00:40:09,104 Among the bodies recovered 835 00:40:09,104 --> 00:40:12,624 was Gavin Dallow's stepdaughter, Zoe Hosking. 836 00:40:12,624 --> 00:40:17,184 Gavin's wife, Lisa, had survived, but was badly injured. 837 00:40:17,184 --> 00:40:20,344 She was one of the people rescued by the pilots. 838 00:40:22,224 --> 00:40:25,704 If we have made a difference to one person's life, 839 00:40:25,704 --> 00:40:25,944 If we have made a difference it's all worth it. 840 00:40:25,944 --> 00:40:28,744 it's all worth it. 841 00:40:28,744 --> 00:40:28,944 it's all worth it. Yeah, fantastic. 842 00:40:28,944 --> 00:40:30,544 Yeah, fantastic. 843 00:40:30,544 --> 00:40:36,424 And if that's the case, that's a wonderful result. 844 00:40:38,104 --> 00:40:40,744 In New Zealand, WorkSafe and the coroner 845 00:40:40,744 --> 00:40:42,984 are both looking into the tragedy, 846 00:40:42,984 --> 00:40:45,904 but their investigations could take more than a year. 847 00:40:45,904 --> 00:40:49,384 GEOFF: I don't put any blame on White Island Tours. 848 00:40:49,384 --> 00:40:53,704 They gave me an opportunity twice to be on that island 849 00:40:53,704 --> 00:40:53,944 They gave me an opportunity twice and to experience it, 850 00:40:53,944 --> 00:40:55,344 and to experience it, 851 00:40:55,344 --> 00:40:59,944 and thousands of people have been able to do that without incident. 852 00:40:59,944 --> 00:41:00,224 I'm satisfied that what they talked to us about... and thousands of people have been able to do that without incident. 853 00:41:00,224 --> 00:41:05,304 I'm satisfied that what they talked to us about... 854 00:41:05,304 --> 00:41:05,584 I'm satisfied that what they talked to us about... I didn't expect anything more from them. 855 00:41:05,584 --> 00:41:07,944 I didn't expect anything more from them. 856 00:41:07,944 --> 00:41:08,184 I didn't expect anything more And certainly, after the eruption, 857 00:41:08,184 --> 00:41:09,824 And certainly, after the eruption, 858 00:41:09,824 --> 00:41:13,704 I've never thought, "Oh, they could have done more." 859 00:41:15,384 --> 00:41:17,264 TIM: There's no way in this world 860 00:41:17,264 --> 00:41:20,184 that any of us would have put people on the island 861 00:41:20,184 --> 00:41:20,424 that any of us would have if we'd thought for a moment, 862 00:41:20,424 --> 00:41:22,024 if we'd thought for a moment, 863 00:41:22,024 --> 00:41:22,264 not one millisecond, that there if we'd thought for a moment, 864 00:41:22,264 --> 00:41:27,904 not one millisecond, that there would have been a result like this. 865 00:41:30,944 --> 00:41:35,544 19 of the 21 people who died were from the Ovation of the Seas. 866 00:41:36,864 --> 00:41:38,584 Sydney lawyer Rita Yousef 867 00:41:38,584 --> 00:41:41,264 is representing passengers and family members 868 00:41:41,264 --> 00:41:44,304 who believe the cruise operator, Royal Caribbean, 869 00:41:44,304 --> 00:41:47,184 didn't do enough to warn its guests. 870 00:41:47,184 --> 00:41:50,384 RITA: This particular volcano was at Level Two. 871 00:41:50,384 --> 00:41:52,784 At the very least, Royal Caribbean, 872 00:41:52,784 --> 00:41:55,344 which held itself out to be responsible for this tour, 873 00:41:55,344 --> 00:41:55,584 which held itself out should have been monitoring this, 874 00:41:55,584 --> 00:41:57,184 should have been monitoring this, 875 00:41:57,184 --> 00:41:59,704 and communicating with participants as to the risk, 876 00:41:59,704 --> 00:41:59,944 and communicating with participants and giving them the choice - 877 00:41:59,944 --> 00:42:01,504 and giving them the choice - 878 00:42:01,504 --> 00:42:01,744 an informed choice to decide and giving them the choice - 879 00:42:01,744 --> 00:42:06,784 an informed choice to decide not to go because of this risk. 880 00:42:06,784 --> 00:42:11,344 How much responsibility is on the participant in the tour 881 00:42:11,344 --> 00:42:15,504 to do their own research to find out how safe or unsafe something is? 882 00:42:15,504 --> 00:42:15,744 I would say none, to do their own research to find out how safe or unsafe something is? 883 00:42:15,744 --> 00:42:17,424 I would say none, 884 00:42:17,424 --> 00:42:21,664 and that's because they're relying on this company to do that for them. 885 00:42:21,664 --> 00:42:24,504 They're handing over money, their hard-earned money 886 00:42:24,504 --> 00:42:24,784 They're handing over money, their hard-earned money for somebody else to be responsible for that. 887 00:42:24,784 --> 00:42:26,704 for somebody else to be responsible for that. 888 00:42:35,184 --> 00:42:39,464 For many families, the grief is still very raw. 889 00:42:42,504 --> 00:42:45,864 I think we're probably like anybody in the same situation. 890 00:42:45,864 --> 00:42:46,104 I think we're probably We're having our moments. 891 00:42:46,104 --> 00:42:47,384 We're having our moments. 892 00:42:47,384 --> 00:42:51,904 We've got his case there, but we still haven't unpacked it. 893 00:42:51,904 --> 00:42:57,784 So that will be the next bit of trauma we've got to go through. 894 00:42:57,784 --> 00:43:00,264 But things are just not going to go away for a while yet. 895 00:43:01,624 --> 00:43:04,024 So, we've just got to live day by day. 896 00:43:05,224 --> 00:43:11,544 I know that not everyone survived unfortunately, 897 00:43:11,544 --> 00:43:17,024 but constantly I just wished the best to their families 898 00:43:17,024 --> 00:43:17,264 but constantly I just wished and for those people who survived. 899 00:43:17,264 --> 00:43:22,224 and for those people who survived. 900 00:43:29,224 --> 00:43:32,944 What the rescuers saw that day will stay with them forever, 901 00:43:32,944 --> 00:43:37,264 but their efforts to save the victims of the White Island eruption 902 00:43:37,264 --> 00:43:38,824 won't be forgotten. 903 00:43:40,024 --> 00:43:42,224 BRIAN: I think they were damn brave, 904 00:43:42,224 --> 00:43:45,584 because I would have got off that island as fast as I could have 905 00:43:45,584 --> 00:43:47,264 after the blast. 906 00:43:48,224 --> 00:43:51,704 But anybody that they picked up, 907 00:43:51,704 --> 00:43:53,504 they put their own lives in danger, 908 00:43:53,504 --> 00:43:55,184 that was for sure. 909 00:43:59,024 --> 00:44:01,464 TOM: I just hope that if I was ever, 910 00:44:01,464 --> 00:44:01,704 or any of my family members TOM: I just hope that if I was ever, 911 00:44:01,704 --> 00:44:04,584 or any of my family members were in that same situation, 912 00:44:04,584 --> 00:44:04,824 or any of my family members someone would do the same for them. 913 00:44:04,824 --> 00:44:07,304 someone would do the same for them. 914 00:44:07,304 --> 00:44:12,344 Yeah, and just hope that they've got a bit of reassurance 915 00:44:12,344 --> 00:44:13,904 that we were there to help them, 916 00:44:13,904 --> 00:44:16,384 and we tried our best to make them as comfortable 917 00:44:16,384 --> 00:44:16,624 and we tried our best and as peaceful as we could. 918 00:44:16,624 --> 00:44:18,064 and as peaceful as we could. 919 00:44:21,464 --> 00:44:26,184 I'm just so glad they did what they did. Absolute bloody heroes. 920 00:44:26,184 --> 00:44:26,424 I'm just so glad they did what they And I hope, for their sake, 921 00:44:26,424 --> 00:44:28,464 And I hope, for their sake, 922 00:44:28,464 --> 00:44:33,024 that what they've seen doesn't haunt them for a long, long time. 923 00:44:39,264 --> 00:44:41,144 Captions by Red Bee Media 924 00:44:41,144 --> 00:44:43,584 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation