(Trinidad Express) Police in St Vincent have taken custody of a man who climbed the La Soufriere Volcano exploding on Sunday, and recorded himself and another hiker.
The man, who is a tour guide, became the subject of ridicule and humiliation after uploading his adventure on YouTube.
It is unclear what charges can be laid against the man, since there are no ordinances preventing the climb of La Soufriere, which has produced at least 30 explosive blasts since April 9.
Earlier story
The actions of a tour guide who went to the summit of La Soufriere’s explosive volcano in St Vincent and over the weekend, are described as “simply dotish” by volcano Professor Richard Robertson, who said death was certain in the event of an eruption.
A video has started circulating showing the man, and at least one other person climbing onto an area called “Table Rock”.
The man, without a face mask, is seen taking video selfies at the smoldering crater and describing the scene, while a strong wind blows, and steam emerges from the cauldron.
The video was filmed Sunday, and hours later, the volcano was rocked by an explosive eruption.
There have been at least 30 explosive eruptions since the volcano began to erupt on April 9, with deadly pyroclastic flows reaching the sea, and ash smothering neighboring communities, destroying the island’s agriculture, and affecting as far as Barbados.
The man is a member of a local tour company with a website promoting a walk to La Soufriere.
A consultant on the website says: “At present all trips to the volcano are prevented due to the ongoing active operational eruption that continues. It’s not like anyone is visiting La Soufriere right now ”.
People who have seen the video have all condemned the man for going to the volcano, while St Vincent is in the throes of an active eruption, and thousands have followed the advice and fled towns and villages near the volcano.
In response to the videos, Robertson, who leads the team at UWA’s Seismic Research Unit who monitors the volcano and advises the Government, said: “With your actions, you are putting yourself at risk not only whole party for every reason I have stated. many times. I have told you personally that what you are doing is absolutely crazy ”.
Robertson said the volcano in its current state can explode explosively without warning.
“Anyone on the volcano at the time is at risk of dying horribly from blunt body trauma, excessive burns, and asphyxiation. Anyone at the summit like you did today will certainly be killed if he has one of the types of explosions he had on the same day you visited ”.
Robertson issued a public appeal.
“Stop putting yourself, your fellow pedestrians, and possibly the search and rescue team who would come to get you if something happens. This is not brave or helpful but simple. ”
“Dotish” is a Trinidadian corruption of the word “doltish” which means silly, or idiotic.
NEMO has called the man out, saying: “He needs to stop. Folks also need to stop encouraging the madness. That is why he continues to challenge the authorities and logic. ”