Sixteenth victim of Whakaari/White Island tragedy dies in Australia

December 15, 2019

Teams came back empty handed after a second failed attempt to find two bodies still on Whakaari.

The death toll from the Whakaari/White Island tragedy is now at 16 following the death of a patient who was repatriated back to Australia.

Police say the person who died yesterday will come under Australia’s coronial jurisdiction and as a result, New Zealand authorities will not be responsible for releasing the person’s name.

This follows the death of a person yesterday who was earlier being treated at Waikato Hospital.

Police say Australian Federal Police have worked closely with New Zealand police over the last week.

"Our relationship has proved invaluable as we continue to support those Australians and their families impacted by this tragic event," said National Operations Commander, John Tims.

The official number of deceased is now 16 – this includes 15 people who died in New Zealand and one person in Australia.

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