Stephanie Browitt’s Journey to Recovery After White Island Volcano Eruption
Stephanie Browitt’s life changed forever on December 9, 2019, when the Whakaari / White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted during a Royal Caribbean cruise excursion. Suffering burns to 70% of her body and enduring the tragic loss of her father, Paul and sister, Krystal, Browitt has develop into a symbol of resilience. Her story, recently highlighted in People magazine and 60 Minutes Australia, details not only her physical recovery but also her pursuit of accountability from Royal Caribbean.
The Eruption and Immediate Aftermath
The eruption of Whakaari / White Island claimed the lives of 22 people – 20 tourists and two local tour guides. Browitt, then 23 years aged, was among the injured. The immediate rescue operation was undertaken by civilian volunteers, as emergency services initially deemed the island too dangerous to approach. Browitt fought to remain conscious, driven by her desire to return to her mother, Marie.
A Long Road to Physical Recovery
Browitt endured dozens of surgeries and years of physical therapy to recover from the severe burns covering 70% of her body. In the early stages of her recovery, her family made the demanding decision to initially conceal the fate of her sister, Krystal, to provide Stephanie with the strength to continue fighting.
Legal Action Against Royal Caribbean
Following the disaster, Browitt and her mother, Marie, pursued legal action against Royal Caribbean, alleging the cruise line failed to adequately warn passengers about the escalating risks associated with visiting the volcano. According to the lawsuit, scientists had warned in the months leading up to the eruption that Whakaari / White Island was in a “near constant state of unrest” and that phreatic eruptions could occur rapidly and without warning. The litigation, spanning four years across courts in Florida and Australia, culminated in a favorable settlement in September 2024. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel represented the Browitts in this case.
“Out of the Ashes” and a Mother-Daughter Bond
Stephanie Browitt co-authored a book with her mother, Marie, titled Out of the Ashes, published by ABC Books. The book details their shared journey through grief, recovery, and the pursuit of justice. The experience has strengthened the bond between mother and daughter as they navigated unimaginable loss and hardship.
Key Takeaways
- The Whakaari / White Island eruption resulted in the deaths of 22 people and severe injuries to many others.
- Stephanie Browitt suffered burns to 70% of her body but survived through determination and medical intervention.
- Browitt and her mother successfully pursued legal action against Royal Caribbean, alleging negligence in failing to warn passengers of the volcano’s risks.
- The experience has been chronicled in the book Out of the Ashes, co-authored by Stephanie and Marie Browitt.