The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari, tells the harrowing and emotional story of the 2019 White Island volcanic eruption. Although the film is primarily focused on the eruption itself, the aftermath of the event continues to unfold to this day. During the eruption, upwards of 20 people were killed and dozens injured after a New Zealand volcano erupted while a tour was visiting. Several of the survivors of the tragedy were left with horrific injuries, both physical and emotional.
The Netflix documentary is primarily told through videos recorded by tourists on the island on the day of the eruption. It also utilizes interviews with some survivors who recounted the events of that day as well as the first responders and others who were on the scene. The volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Oceania, erupting several times over the past few years. Despite this, the site was deemed safe enough to let tourists frequently hike on the island, although this would all change after December 2019.
Some Victims Were Never Found
At the time the volcano erupted, there were 47 people reportedly on the island. These people were mainly tourists from Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. Most of these people had arrived at the island via a tour boat chartered by Royal Caribbean Cruises. As mentioned in The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari, when the volcano erupted much of the island was enveloped in a thick cloud of superheated steam, ash, and debris. This would make recovery efforts difficult. Initially, five people would be reported dead with 34 injured. Unfortunately, several of these injured victims would die in the hospital. Largely due to the severe burns produced by the eruption.
Although the official death toll would be listed at 22, two of these victims were never actually found and were instead presumed dead. These two victims were Hayden Marshall-Inman of New Zealand and Winona Langford of Australia. A police inquest later determined that the two were likely killed in the blast, with their bodies ending up near a stream adjacent to the volcano. Severe flooding soon after likely caused the remains to be swept down the stream into the ocean making finding them near impossible. Authorities searched the stream area and the ocean around the island but were unsuccessful in finding the two victims (via NZ Herald).
Several Lawsuits Filed Against Groups Involved In Organizing The Tour
The ending of The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari, states “No Party or individual has accepted responsibility for the injuries sustained, and the lives lost.” While this is true, that has not stopped various groups from filing lawsuits with allegations made against those involved in planning the excursion. A year after the eruption, WorkSafe New Zealand filed charges against over a dozen entities involved. Most were charged under Section 36, which requires that operators of a business ensure the safety of all involved. Each charge under this count carries a potential fine of up to NZ$1.5 million. Some of the defendants would later motion to have their charges dropped while others plead guilty and were subsequently fined (via 1news).
In addition to criminal charges, several civil lawsuits were filed in the aftermath of the eruption. Many of the tourists who were injured in the eruption filed suits against Royal Caribbean International cruise lines and the charter company. They alleged that the company allowed passengers to tour the island, despite knowing that the volcano was unstable (via Miami New Times). The outcome of these lawsuits is still pending at this time.
Many Survivors Continue To Suffer
Although The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari is focused on the eruption itself and the rescue efforts immediately afterward, the victims of the incident will continue to suffer for the rest of their lives. One of these victims, Stephanie Browitt, has detailed her recovery in the aftermath of the eruption through TikTok. Her father and sister were among the victims who died, and she herself suffered horrific injuries. She suffered 3rd-degree burns over 70% of her body as well as losing several fingers. As part of her treatment she, along with several other victims with similar injuries, have to wear burn masks and other specialized clothing for 23 hours a day.
It has also been revealed that several of the victims who suffered severe burns as a result of the eruption will likely never completely heal. Survivors have also discussed how the incident has left them with mental effects such as PTSD as well as depression and anxiety. For example, Stephanie Browitt described in an interview how Melbourne’s Australia Day celebrations were particularly rough for her due to the 21-gun salute reminding her of the sounds and sights of the volcano erupting. Browitt also discussed how she has been the target of online harassment, with people purposefully tagging her in videos of the eruption to upset her (via Daily Mail).
In addition to this, doctors have also stated that many of the victims of the eruption will likely have to deal with the threat of infections for years afterward. Due to burn injuries being particularly susceptible to bacteria. They have also stated that it is currently unknown what effect the inhalation of volcanic ash may have on the victims and whether it may lead to an increased risk of cancer (via Stuff). The long-term prognosis for the physical injuries of those affected is difficult to predict due to the rarity of volcano eruption-related injuries.
What Is The Status Of White Island After The Eruption?
As the closing title card of The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari mentions, following the eruption, White Island has been closed to visitors per order from the New Zealand Government. Ostensibly this is due to the fact that the eruption and resulting death and injuries demonstrated that the place is not safe. Although there has been no word on if the island will ever reopen, it seems safe to say that it likely never will be. Especially given that there is always a chance the volcano will erupt again at some point in the future as it has done dozens of times before.