Emerging from the deep: Stunning first images of new volcanic island in Tonga as it rises
THESE are the stunning first pictures of a newly formed volcanic island in Tonga.
The island was formed in January after a volcanic eruption – but has not yet been named.
It was too dangerous to visit until recently because it is still considered to be active.
The island will be a great attraction for tourists – reaching the top is really something.
This means that the volcano could erupt at any moment.
But now a select few travellers are being granted access.
Photographer Gianpiero Orbassano went by boat to the island accompanied by his friend Branko Sugar.
It was then that he took these amazing photos of the mysterious island.
Mr Orbassano, 63, said: "After reaching the island by boat taking the pictures was not so difficult – but the problem was the condition of the land, which was made worse by black lava and temperatures of 35c and was extremely hot.
"It was not so easy to get on top of the volcano too. The surface of the soil was very fragile and slippery.
"The day was absolutely amazing though. The island will be a great attraction for tourists – reaching the top is really something."
The volcanic isle is situated between two existing small islands called Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai and is about 40 miles from Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa.
A boat ride takes around two hours.
Islands such as these tend to disappear after a short while – but at a height of 250m there is a chance this one could stay on the surface forever.
