A Federal Court has allowed an Australian mother and daughter to sue a cruise ship company over the Whakaari/White Island volcano tragedy that killed two of their close family members.
Marie Browitt and daughter Stephanie are suing Royal Caribbean Cruises in Florida after a court ruling made by Judge Angus Stewart, 9News reports.
A total of 22 people lost their lives after the once-popular tourist attraction erupted off the Bay of Plenty coastline erupted on December 9, 2019.
![An aerial view of Whakaari/White Island shortly after the deadly volcanic eruption on December 9, 2019. Photo / George Novak](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XYAC67EGV3NNRJRHMBGSUTYAOQ.jpg?auth=ca3046a0a37c1c15089c289ade9ccad4f4378ebd686f51a6db4bd4086dd0fede&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Among them were Marie's husband, Paul, and their daughter Krystal. Stephanie survived but was among several who were severely injured.