All six bodies recovered in a high-risk operation on White Island are expected to be confirmed as those of Australians following New Zealand's deadly volcanic eruption
Following a briefing from operational commanders, they walked, holding hands and singing traditional songs, to the Te Mānuka Tutahi marae, which was a short distance from the harbour.
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 helicopters were carrying the eight-member military unit with specialised equipment to recover the bodies and gather as much evidence as possible to identify the victims.
Seismologists warned the volcano was becoming increasingly unstable, with a 50-60 per cent chance of another eruption in the next 24 hours.
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