Atlanta-based Indian couple Pratap "Paul" Singh and Mayuri "Mary" Singh have both now died of their injuries in the Whakaari/White Island eruption last month. Photo / Supplied
The family of a couple who died following the Whakaari/White Island eruption is calling for better safety equipment to be used in volcano tourism - saying it could have saved their loved ones.
Pratap "Paul" and Mayuari "Mary" Singh both succumbed to their injuries in hospital following the eruption, with Pratap's death on January 28 making him the 21st fatality of the December 9 eruption.
"We miss them dearly and their memories are going to stay fresh in our hearts and minds for the times to come."
The couple are survived by three young children: an 11-year-old son and 6-year-old twin daughters.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Bhupender Singh called for volcano tourism in New Zealand and around the world to charter proper safety equipment - including appropriate heat resistant clothing, safety glasses, helmets and face masks.
"Proper safety equipment would have saved my family," he said in the family statement.
"Tours should not be operated without comprehensive disclosure of risks associated, and a complete assessment of geothermal and seismic activity."
But Paul Quinn, White Island Tours chairman said those on the tours to the active volcano received numerous safety briefings on the tour.
"The equipment was in accordance with the practices that we had signed off by the WorkSafe independent auditors.
"Presumably the safety measures will be something that the WorkSafe inquiry looks into. What comes out of that inquiry, and the Coronial inquiry, we'll have to see."
On Thursday the Ministry of Health confirmed one American patient had been transferred back to the United States.
"Repatriation of a further two patients is expected to occur later this week," a Ministry of Health statement said.
Eleven patients remain at four hospitals around the country, two of them critical.
Twenty-one people have now lost their lives in the disaster.
The Singhs received devastating injuries in the eruption - Mary received 72 per cent burns to her body, while her husband suffered 55 per cent burns to his body.
He acknowledged the doctors, consultants, nurses and the administrative staff of Middlemore Hospital for their efforts in providing best medical attention and care possible for Paul and Mary.
Singh said the couple were the "central hub" for everyone around them and that the family was left heartbroken by the loss.
"This changes everything, a new normal might be impossible to achieve for our family."
"We miss them dearly and their memories are going to stay fresh in our hearts and minds for the times to come.
Singh said the couple were devout worshippers of Lord Shiva, a supreme Hindu god.