Daring Pilot's Ocean Leap Saves Him from New Zealand Volcano Eruption

A helicopter pilot testified in court that he and two passengers escaped serious injury during the 2019 eruption of New Zealand's White Island volcano by jumping into the ocean, while two other passengers suffered serious burns. The pilot, Brian Depauw, stated that the water saved them as they were engulfed by a cloud of hot ash. Depauw, along with three tourism companies and three directors, is currently on trial for safety breaches related to the incident. The trial has been adjourned and will resume on Monday.