NZ volcano tragedy: tourists ‘stood on edge of crater’ minutes before eruption

Michael Schade filmed the ­immediate aftermath of the volcanic eruption as fellow tourists looked on, shouting ‘no, no, no, no’.

This picture courtesy of American tourist Michael Schade shows the White Island volcano spewing steam and ash minutes after Monday’s eruption.

Michael Schade filmed the ­immediate aftermath of the volcanic eruption as fellow tourists looked on, shouting “no, no, no, no, no” as the magnitude of the disaster became clear.

“This is so hard to believe,” he said. “Our whole tour group were literally standing at the edge of the main crater not 30 minutes before.”

Mr Schade later posted photographs of people being rescued by tour operators.

The American had been waiting for his tourist boat to leave the island when the volcano started spewing ash and smoke.

He posted dramatic photos and video to social media looking back at the island from the water as rigid inflatable boats carried ash-­covered tourists to safety.

“My god, White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted today for (the) first time since 2001,” he posted to social media.

“Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable.

“Praying for them and their recovery. Woman my mom tended to was in critical condition but seemed strong by the end.’’

He described a destroyed helicopter left twisted on the ­island. “My thoughts (are) with the families of those currently unaccounted for, the people recovering now and especially the rescue workers,” he said.

Brazilian Allessandro Kauffmann captured footage of the explosion from a boat. A man on a loudspeaker was heard yelling, “I need everyone inside the boat right now”.

Melbourne dad Mathew ­Merington said he and his children were praying for those caught up in the tragedy.

His family stayed on board the ship while others ventured out to the volcano.

“It’s sad but we are praying for the impacted ones,” he said.

Passenger Nigel Walker, from Wollongong, said: “It’s tragic … I was only saying to my mother-in-law before the cruise that White Island would be a great place to visit.”

Dan Harvey was fishing with friends 40km/h from the island when he saw the eruption.

“I looked over and saw a burst of steam coming up. It was almost like a mushroom cloud,” he said.

Royal Caribbean altered the itinerary for its ship Ovation of the Seas following the eruption. The ship — which was on a 12-day cruise from Sydney to New Zealand — was due to sail for Wellington on Monday night then tour the South Island before arriving back at Circular Quay.

But the captain made the decision to stay in the nearby Port of Tauranga overnight after announcing to passengers that some guests and a crew member were on the ­island when it erupted.

Stephen ­Irvine of Brisbane told The Daily Telegraph he had ­managed to get in touch with a family friend on board the cruise ship. “They have only just been told of the incident and the people from the ship may have been injured, thus the ship won’t leave as scheduled,” he said.

A Royal Caribbean spokesman said: “Ovation of the Seas will remain overnight until we learn more about the situation.

“We will offer all possible assistance to our guests and local authorities.

“Please keep all those affected in your prayers.”