New Zealand volcano eruption: Two British women among those injured as police say ‘no sign of life’ on White Island

Around 50 people were on island in Bay of Plenty when explosion happened

Volcanic eruption on New Zealand island: What we know so far

Two British women are among those injured by a volcanic eruption in New Zealand, which has left at least five people dead and 31 in hospital with several still missing.

There are also five people with a UK birthplace marked missing on a Red Cross list of missing persons, which is updated by the public rather than officials.

The UK’s high commissioner to New Zealand, Laura Clarke, said she and her colleagues were supporting the two women’s families and would do the same for “any other Brits who need our help”.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said 47 people were estimated to be on White Island, in the Bay of Plenty, when the volcano blasted a huge plume of ash and steam into the air on Monday.

Police said that despite spotting “some people” on the island in daring aerial reconnaissance efforts since the blast, rescuers saw “no signs of life” at any point.

Official enquiries with tour companies suggest eight people are still unacounted for. Deputy commissioner John Tims told reporters rescue efforts would resume once conditions improve.

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load

Key Points

• At least five killed and up to 20 injured
• Emergency services cannot access island due to risks
• No survivors after blast, police believe

[9 December 2019 07:46 · Samuel Osborne]

A volcano has erupted on a small island in New Zealand where dozens of tourists were exploring on Monday afternoon.

One person was killed, several injured and others reported missing on White Island, after the volcano spewed ash and steam into the air.

[9 December 2019 07:55 · Samuel Osborne]

Twenty-three people have been taken off the island, including those with injuries, police deputy commissioner John Tims said.

One death was confirmed, and Mr Tims said the number was likely to rise.

He said it was too dangerous for police and rescue services to travel to the island but they wanted to urgently get back as quickly as they could. There had been no contact with those who remained missing on the island, he added.

[9 December 2019 08:01 · Samuel Osborne]

"My god," wrote Michael Schade on Twitter as he posted video of the eruption. "My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable."

His video showed a wall of ash and steam around the island and a helicopter badly damaged and covered in ash.

He said one woman was badly injured but seemed "strong" by the end. 

[9 December 2019 08:10 · Samuel Osborne]

Royal Caribbean International said guests from its cruise ship Ovation of the Seas had been visiting White Island.

"A number of our guests were touring the island today," the company said. "We will offer all possible assistance to our guests and local authorities. Please keep all those affected in your prayers."

The company statement said the ship would remain there overnight until it learned more on the situation.

[9 December 2019 08:17 · Samuel Osborne]

Five people died in the White Island volcanic eruption, police have confirmed.

[9 December 2019 08:20 · Samuel Osborne]

[9 December 2019 08:23 · Samuel Osborne]

The number of people missing on the island is in the double digits, police said.

[9 December 2019 08:29 · Samuel Osborne]

St. John Ambulance said up to 20 people were believed to have been injured in the eruption, adding that a mobile triage unit was on its way.

The organisation said it had sent seven helicopters to the island with medics onboard.

[9 December 2019 08:35 · Samuel Osborne]

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's prime minister, said she was travelling to the region late on Monday.

Ms Ardern said people who were injured in the eruption were being transported to shore. She said the eruption appeared to be "very significant."

"All our thoughts are with those affected," she said.

[9 December 2019 08:42 · Samuel Osborne]

Deputy commissioner Tims said foreigners and New Zealand nationals were on White Island when the volcano erupted.

He said police are unsure of the exact number of people on island but due to risks emergency services cannot access the island at the moment.