BREAKING: Six bodies have been recovered in a high-risk mission and are being prepared to be flown off New Zealand's White Island following Monday's deadly volcanic eruption
Two helicopters from the New Zealand Defence Force left the local airport shortly after 6.30am local time to head to the island, which is about 50 kilometres off shore.
The high-risk plan, which will be aborted if conditions deteriorate, is for authorities to remove the bodies as quickly as possible. Six Australians are believed to be among the victims on the island: Karla Matthews and Richard "Rick" Elzer from Coffs Harbour; Brisbane mother and daughter Julie and Jessica Richards; Adelaide schoolgirl Zoe Hosking; and Melbourne woman Krystal Browitt.The final two bodies are likely those of two New Zealanders: White Island Tours guide Tipene Maangi; and boat skipper Hayden Marshall-Inman.
Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement said there would be "very limited" opportunity to search for the two missing bodies.
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Death toll rises to six in NZ after White Island eruption | Sky News AustraliaThe death toll from New Zealand's White Island volcano disaster has risen to six with eight other people unaccounted for. \n\nThe Coroner has started collecting information on clothing, jewellery, scars and tattoos as the process of identifying the victims has begun.\n\nAuthorities warned the death toll was expected to rise and indicated no signs of life on the island. \n\nPolice and recovery forces remain vigilant due to the possibility of another eruption.\n\nPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday she is hopeful that the retrieval of the bodies could begin, however, the outlook provided by NZ research institute GNS Science indicated it would not be a reality anytime soon. \n\nImage: Getty
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