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American newlyweds seriously injured in New Zealand volcanic eruption
An American newlywed couple were badly injured in the sudden volcanic eruption on White Island in New Zealand.
Virginia couple, Matthew and Lauren Urey were on a shore excursion as passengers on Royal Caribbean cruise ship Ovation of the Seas.
They suffered 80% and 20% burns respectively.
Lauren was rushed to an Auckland hospital for surgery earlier today.
Like the Ureys, a number of other people are in critical condition with burns.
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed people from New Zealand, Australia, the US, UK, China and Malaysia were among those affected by the eruption on the island, which is also known as Whakaari.
She said 47 people were on the island when the volcano erupted.
Of those, six are confirmed dead.
Some 13 of the tourists are believed to be passengers from the Royal Caribbean ship Ovation of the Seas. The ship was due to sail to Wellington yesterday but has remained docked close to White Island. Passengers held a minute’s silence for the victims.
"Following yesterday’s events, the ship stayed in Tauranga to allow our personnel to assist local authorities and support those affected by this unforeseen natural disaster," said a cruise line spokesperson.
The ship is now scheduled to set sail at 6:45am on Wednesday visiting Wellington and Picton before returning to Sydney. The revised itinerary has been provided to guests.
"A team will remain onsite in Tauranga and all hospital locations to ensure those affected by Monday’s incident are taken care of in terms of medical help, counselling, accommodation, and transport.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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