DoC closes Raoul amid fears of further eruptions

A tourist group on its way to remote Raoul Island have been warned not to set foot ashore as fears mount the volcano could blow again.

The Spirit of Enderby was due to arrive at the volcanic island today, two-and-a-half days ahead of the official rescue mission, which left Tauranga last night.

The ship, which sells berths for up to $6700, had been planning to send passengers ashore as part of its 10-day diving and hiking cruise of the Kermadec Islands, until the Department of Conservation yesterday declared Raoul Island closed.

The ship - with 52 passengers and staff, and a further 23 Russian crew - was just 300 nautical miles from the island when the eruption happened.

The ship was intially asked by the department to make full speed for the island to evacuate its staff, before deciding to instead use a helicopter.

Although it carries some experienced hikers, it has been told not to go ashore and search for missing man Mark Kearney.

The crater where the eruption happened was on the list of places on the tour.

Well-known New Zealand conservationist Don Merton, who was on board, said the group had expected to make a three-hour hike to the edge of the lake.

Mr Merton, who was on Raoul Island when it last erupted in 1964, had scheduled a lecture and slide show about the 1964 eruption on Friday - just before the eruption.

"It's a remarkable coincidence," he said.

As rescued DoC staff recovered yesterday, more details emerged of the moment two team members were forced to abandon their search for Mr Kearney.

The team told the Herald on Sunday, by email, they had felt tremors during the week before the eruption.

On Friday, they saw and heard the volcano about 8.20am, followed by another big shake at 8.30am.

Rolien Elliot, Warkworth DoC manager, said the team member at base called the others back from their weeding job. Mr Kearney failed to return.

About 10.30am, two of the team members set out for the crater, about an hour's hike away. In half an hour, they reached the crater ridge and followed the track to where it had collapsed and was now covered in trees and debris. They returned to base and packed their possesions to return to New Zealand.

The team said their thoughts were with Mr Kearney's family and friends.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY