The battle-hardened veterans from SAS E Squadron had never found themselves in a situation like the one on White Island. 'It was unbelievable, not a condition we train for or ever expect to operate in, it's just so much hotter than you could expect'
Matt, and the rest of the eight person unit, were transported by helicopter from the HMNZS Wellington navy ship, stationed a short distance from the island.They returned to the boat, poured water down their suits, and discussed what to do next."We were thinking, we don't have enough time to stop again, we'll find a way through this."
The initial track from boat to island had been relatively easygoing: the ground underfoot was high and crusty, Matt said. Underneath their yellow waterproof body suits was another two layers of clothing: a green, cotton undergarment used to soak up sweat and a black charcoal-lined suit to filter out gases.
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