The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari

This documentary tells the sad and tragic story of the eruption of the Whakaari volcano that killed 22 people and injured countless others.

This documentary is mesmerizing and devastating. Well crafted in its narrative, with stories from victims and rescuers.

The helicopter pilots that went to the island to rescue people when the government called it a no fly zone and would not send in others. These men are true heroes. Absolutely remarkable human beings.

This documentary is a must watch. It is horrific to even think about what these people went through, the pain and suffering from steam burns is beyond description.

The real footage taken and audio are haunting and terrifying.

This is a must watch.

Honest and balanced but can't help feeling the victims deserved tough questions to be asked about the lack of early warning systems, lack of requirement for appropriate safety equipment to be carried or stored on the island. The survivors bravery for telling their stories was incredible and the creators deserve credit for sharing them so honestly. Have to hope that other similar volcano tourism operations around have taken note and adjusted safety protocols accordingly. It may be many years before people go back but I suspect it will happen eventually and no doubt be very different when it happens.

This is one of the better documentaries of the unfolding & aftermath of a natural disaster that I have ever seen...Part of me wanted to turn it off for fear of what I might see - but the larger part wanted to know the truth(s) of this great catastrophe on Whakaari (White Island) The cinematography was excellent along with the variety of narratives from a multitude of perspectives. I'm frankly amazed 22 lives were lost and not all 47 because what was suppose to be an awesome adventure in nature turned in a "heartbeat" to a great tragedy. MANY "lessons" learned in watching it in regard to natural disaster and the elements of first aid for such a rare occurrence. I salute every person who was part of this production for creating an astounding "blow by blow" understanding of how it all unfolded - the wrongs and rights of it and the amazing men and women who came to the rescue in spite of the dangers presented. EXCELLENT documentary!

I am the type of person who would've done this excursion. I love nature, I love adventure, and appreciate the awesome power of the Earth and the dangers it possesses. This sort of tragedy is very sad though while I understand why they closed the island to guests after this tragic day I don't think it was totally necessary. You go on these tours because of the risk. You sign your life away before he tour because of this risk. As tragic as this was and I truly feel for the families, I think tours should still be allowed to this island.

With that said I think the documentary was very well done and did a great job of showing the viewer the landscape and power of the island as well as the culture.

How much risk is acceptable risk? How well informed are you before you take your family on an adventure excursion? Risk cannot be avoided otherwise you will have no experiences worth living for but where is the tipping point? In retrospect it seems that these excursions should not have been allowed but hindsight is 20/20. As a person who studies risk for a living, my only advice is to take risks that are known but avoid the unknown. I recommend watching this documentary for this reason; to give you food for thought. Considering it was only 3 years ago I commend the participants for their conteributions and the makers for their discretion.