Statement attributable to Deputy Commissioner John Tims, National Operations Commander
The Police Eagle helicopter searched Taungawaka Bay this afternoon for any sign of the two bodies still missing following last week’s eruption on Whakaari / White Island.
The weather around the island today has hampered efforts, preventing an earlier search by Eagle and a shoreline search by boat.
Police will continue to focus on areas from Whakaari / White Island through to the East Cape based on tidal patterns and as the weather allows.
The HMNZS Wellington has left the waters off Whakaari/White Island today and has been deployed to support a Maritime NZ Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) operation.
HMNZS Wellington is not currently required for the Whakaari/White Island response. Should the operational needs change then an assessment of the resources required would be made at that time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
