Early reports say that passengers who were traveling on the Royal Caribbean vessel, Ovation of the Seas, may have been involved in a volcanic eruption that occurred on White Island (Whakaari) in New Zealand.
At least 5 dead, many injured
From CNN as of 5:08 PM ET, “at least five people were killed and eight more are still missing following a deadly volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island Monday.
The country’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, said citizens from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia were among those injured and missing following the explosion.
Both New Zealanders and overseas tourists are believed to be involved; a number were from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship, which is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.”
News reports also said that the island was too dangerous for search and rescue operations.
CruiseRadio.net reported, “guests onboard Ovation were on an excursion called White Island Volcano Experience Cruise and Guided Exploration. The excursion boasts giving guests an up-close and personal look at the island.
Read the latest updates here at The Guardian:
Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited released a statement:
“We are devastated by yesterday’s events and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy. We are working together with local authorities, and we are providing all the help and care we can to our guests and their families, including offering medical resources and counseling. We are also sending staff members rom both our ship and our Sydney and Auckland offices to assist family members however possible. Ovation of the Seas will remain in port as long as needed to assist with the situation. Family members concerned about the status of relatives traveling aboard Ovation of the Seas may inquire by calling 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
Video Credit: TheGuardian.com
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