Tourist describes treating Whakaari/White Island survivors at coronial inquest

Tuesday 14 October 2025 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Tue 14 Oct 2025, 4:21pm

A coronial inquest into the Whakaari/White Island disaster heard testimony from a tour boat passenger regarding the eruption. Geoffrey Hopkins described using fresh water to help treat survivors following the tragedy, which resulted in 22 deaths and 25 serious injuries.

How they headlined it

2:18pm4:21pm

1. Otago Daily TimesTue 14 Oct 2025, 2:18pm

   'Burnt like I've never seen': Tourist recounts treating eruption survivors (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 14 Oct 2025, 4:21pm

   Whakaari/White Island inquest: Tourist describes seeing people ‘burnt like I’ve never seen before’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)