Passengers from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship say they're in a "state of shock" after the White Island eruption claimed the lives of their fellow tourists.
At least 28 people from the cruise ship went to the island on Monday. So far, five people are confirmed dead and another eight missing, while a further 31 are in hospital receiving treatment. It's understood most of the ship's passengers are Australians.
Speaking to Newshub on Tuesday morning from Tauranga, where the Ovation of the Seas is docked, one of the passengers told Newshub the loss of life has left the cruise in deep mourning.
"I was in a state of shock - a light state of shock - trying to comprehend it. We didn't sleep too well through the night," Col Beaman says.
"It's quite sombre as you would expect. People are trying to cope, assimilate the tragedy.
"The staff and the crew are doing their best to keep everyone well-served and in spirits but you can sense the atmosphere obviously has changed.
Beaman says the passengers have been "thinking about the victims and families".
Irene Branford told Newshub the captain has been "really wonderful" and asked passengers to keep the victims "in their thoughts and prayers".
ABC journalist Donna Field is on the Ovation of the Seas ship and says it is surreal on board.
"The Captain of Ovation of the Seas says the tragedy on White Island is unfathomable. He’s offered his condolences to those families onboard who are affected," she said.
"Another announcement from the Capt to say the Ovation of the Seas will remain in port in Tauranga while they await more news from NZ authorities."
The Ovation of the Seas has posted to Facebook offering its sympathy to all those affected.
"Our deepest prayers and condolences are with all who have been involved in the tragedy on White Island, New Zealand," it wrote.
"Our hearts and kind thoughts go out to the passengers and crew onboard Ovation of the Seas and also the families affected."
