New Zealand volcano death toll climbs as more Australian victims named

An Australian man caught in NZ’s deadly White Island volcano eruption has died in a Sydney hospital, pushing the toll to 16, as police begin identifying victims.

Police divers prepare to search the waters near White Island off the coast of Whakatane, New Zealand.

An Australian victim caught in New Zealand’s deadly White Island volcano eruption has died in hospital, taking the death toll to 16.

The man died in Sydney’s Concord Hospital almost a week after the deadly blast.

“Officers from Burwood police area command attended Concord Hospital following the death of a man after being medically transferred from New Zealand,” NSW Health said in a statement.

“NSW Health wishes to pass on our condolences to the family.”

The man’s family requested that his name and age was not released. The condition of another Australian victim caught in the eruption stabilised in Concord Hospital overnight.

The news comes as New Zealand police officially named four Australian victims of the disaster, as they returned to White Island in search of more bodies.

Melbourne woman Krystal Browitt, 21, Sydney man Anthony Langford, 51, Adelaide man Gavin Dallow, 53, and his stepdaughter Zoe Hosking, 15, have been identified by police. A fifth victim, White Island tour guide Tipene Maangi, 24, has also been named by police.

Eight Australians are confirmed dead, two are presumed to have died and 13 are in hospital with severe burns.

Foreign Minister to visit NZ

Foreign Minister Marise Payne will visit New Zealand this week to convey Australia’s “sincere condolences and heartfelt gratitude for the efforts of all involved” in the response to the December 9 White Island volcanic eruption.

Senator Payne will leave on Monday for Wellington where she will meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her New Zealand counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening, Senator Payne said she would express Australia’s “deep appreciation for the professional and quick response of the New Zealand emergency and medical services and the care they have provided to Australian survivors of the eruption.”

“The tragic event has affected 47 people, including 24 Australian citizens, as well as four people who called Australia home. Our hearts go out to all of the families and loved ones of those effected.”

“Twelve Australian citizens and one permanent resident have been medically evacuated back to Australia.”

Senator Payne will also visit Auckland on Tuesday where she will meet with doctors, nurses and health care professionals as well as Australian consular workers and police who have responded to the disaster.

“During my visit, I will also meet with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff who have supported victims and their families, and Australian Federal Police, and NSW and Queensland Police officers, who are assisting with the Disaster Victim Identification process,” she said.

“Australia thanks the New Zealand Defence Force members who returned to the site of the eruption to recover those who lost their lives, the New Zealand police for their ongoing close cooperation, and the many New Zealand medical professionals who have been involved in treating victims.

“We thank and acknowledge Ngāti Awa for the care and sensitivity they have shown to loved ones of the victims, at a time when they too are grieving.”

South Australian Gavin Dallow, left, and stepdaughter Zoe Hosking, right, both died. Lisa Dallow, centre, is believed to be in hospital. Picture: supplied

Search continues for the dead

Navy and police divers were on Sunday scouring the waters surrounding the island, after three helicopters conducted an aerial sweep without success.

“Those staff covered a search area where our best information suggested a body could still remain,” Deputy Commissioner John Tims

“Unfortunately, we did not locate a body this morning.

Melbourne victim Krystal Browitt, left., pictured with sister Stephanie, who is still unaccounted for.

North Sydney man Anthony Langford, left, has been confirmed dead, while wife Kristine, right, and daughter Winona are also believed to have perished. Son Jesse, front, was later found alive in hospital.

“We have always anticipated recovering all bodies from the island, and we remain deeply committed to that goal, to allow families some closure. We are now debriefing, reassessing and coming up with a new plan going forward.”

At least 10 Australians remain in critical condition in local hospitals six days after the deadly eruption.

Two NSW residents who arrived overnight at Sydney’s Royal North Shore hospital are among seven across the city’s hospitals listed as critical. Two other NSW victims are stable while another’s family has requested privacy

Three patients evacuated from New Zealand to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne are also critically ill.

Brisbane woman Julie Richards and her university student daughter Jessica and Coffs Harbour couple Richard Elzer and Karla Matthews, 32, are all believed to have perished when heat, ash and toxic gases enveloped the island following the eruption.

Krystal Browitt, who was the first Australian to be named yesterday, had been touring New Zealand on a cruise to celebrate her birthday. Her father and sister were also on the island and remain unaccounted for.

Sydney’s Hollander brothers Berend, 16, and Matthew, 13, and Coffs Harbour man Jason Griffiths died in hospital from their burns, while Adelaide man Gavin Dallow, 53, was declared dead on Wednesday.

Fears are held for Berend and Matthew’s parents Martin and Barbara Hollander, while Sydney couple Anthony and Kristine Langford and their daughter Winona, 17, are missing.

Extended family have indicated the Langfords’ son Jesse, 19, survived. He’s likely among those being treated in Sydney.

With AAP