Police in New Zealand have confirmed that a 15th person has died following this week’s volcanic eruption on an island in the country’s north east.
Divers spent the day searching the waters around Whakaari or White Island for the remains of the last two victims.
Police said the divers are working in contaminated waters with near-zero visibility – describing the conditions as "unique and challenging."
A recovery team has already recovered six bodies since returning to the island at first light on Friday morning.
They are wearing protective suits and using breathing apparatus as gases on the island remain highly toxic.
New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement said two people remain missing, presumed dead.
“We are very confident that one of them is in the sea – because [the body] was seen in the sea,” he said.
“What has happened to the other one? We have some work to do to try and backtrack and make a determination around that.”
Police can confirm a further person has died following the eruption on Whakaari / White Island, bringing the official toll to 15.
The person was earlier being treated at Waikato Hospital.
Police remain focused on supporting families at this terrible time.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) December 14, 2019
The official death toll now stands at 15, after police confirmed that 21-year-old Australian Krystal Eve Browitt had died in hospital in Waikato.
Dozens of other people are being treated in hospital for severe burns.
The recovery operation is currently suspended due to worsening weather conditions. Scientists are also warning that there is a 35% to 50% risk of a further explosion in the coming 24 hours.
Authorities have said there were 47 people from seven countries visiting the island when the volcano erupted.
The final death toll is expected to reach at least 17.
