Three helicopter tour companies admitted culpability on Friday for safety violations related to the 2019 White Island volcano eruption in New Zealand, a disaster that tragically claimed 22 lives. Volcanic Air Safaris Ltd., Kahu NZ Ltd., and Aerius Ltd. entered guilty pleas, averting a trial that was slated to begin next week in Auckland District Court. Six other entities and individuals still face charges in connection with the tragedy.
White Island, also known by its indigenous Māori name Whakaari, is the peak of a submerged volcano and was a popular tourist destination. At the time of the eruption, 47 individuals were present on the island. Superheated steam engulfed the area, resulting in fatalities and severe burns for most of the 25 survivors.
The decision to allow tourists on the island despite a raised volcano alert level two weeks prior to the eruption, based on expert monitoring of seismic activity, remains a point of contention and investigation.
The three helicopter operators acknowledged their failure to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and tourists. Many of the victims were Australian tourists from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Ovation of the Seas. The nationalities of the deceased included 14 Australians, five Americans, two New Zealanders, and one German.
The remaining trial, to be overseen by a judge, is scheduled to commence on Monday and is expected to last 16 weeks. The organizations involved face potential fines up to $927,000, while individuals could be fined up to $185,000. The three companies that entered guilty pleas will have their sentencing hearing in August.
