Recovery team land safely on mainland after searching for remaining two bodies on Whakaari/White Island

December 15, 2019

The recovery team has departed Whakaari/White Island and landed back safely on the mainland.

Police have not yet commented on the outcome of the mission.

Two teams of four Search and Rescue and Disaster Victim Identification staff were taken to the island by helicopter around 8.30am.

The Deputy Commissioner of National Operations John Tims this morning said the plan was contingent on a range of risk factors that will be continuously assessed.

He said the team was taken to the area of the island where Police’s best information suggests a body may be.

“They will be wearing the same protective clothing as the eight New Zealand Defence Force personnel who were on the island on Friday,” he said.

“However, their breathing apparatus will be different, meaning they will only be able to stay on the island for up to 75 minutes.”

A GNS scientist will remain on board the Police Eagle Helicopter to monitor the environment in real-time.

The helicopters dropping off the ground teams will also stay above the island in an operational support capacity.

Police said yesterday a person died from injuries sustained during the eruption, bringing the total death toll to 15.

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