Sydney, Dec 24 (TIWN) New Zealand authorities have announced the suspension of search operations for two people who remain missing following the recent eruption of White Island volcano, offshore in the northeast of the country.

The eruption on White Island earlier this month killed 19 people, including two people who were never found.  It's thought the bodies of Winona Jane Langford, 17, and Hayden Bryan Marshall-Inman, 40, are in the water off the island.  Police said their decision "follows extensive shoreline and substantial aerial searches".  But despite those searches, "no further items of significance have been located".  "The families of the two missing people have been informed of this decision," said Superintendent Andy McGregor. "Police remain ready to respond if new information comes to light."