In this file photo dated Dec 9, 2019, tourists on a boat look at the eruption of the volcano on White Island, New Zealand. (PHOTO / AP)

WELLINGTON — Sentencing for the tour booking agents and managers of an island in New Zealand where a volcanic eruption killed 22 people, mostly tourists, in 2019 began on Monday, with the prosecutor warning those sentenced may not be able to pay a fine.

There were 47 people on White Island, also known by the Maori name of Whakaari, when the volcano erupted on Dec 9, 2019. Many of the survivors were badly burnt by searing gas and ash. Most of the victims were tourists from countries including Australia, the US and Malaysia.

Victims and their families, several of whom have travelled from overseas, will read out statements about the impact of the eruption on their lives before the judge hands down sentences

Tour operators White Island Tours, Volcanic Air Safaris, Kahu New Zealand and Aerius, along with the corporate owner of the island, Whakaari Management Limited, are being sentenced on at least one criminal charge related to insufficiently ensuring the safety of workers and visitors to the island. Each charge carries a maximum fine of NZ$1.5 million ($924,750.00).

READ MORE: NZ begins trial over White Island volcanic eruption that killed 22

Kirsty McDonald, prosecutor for workplace regulator Worksafe, said those sentenced had indicated they did not have the ability to pay a fine but argued the judge should impose appropriate financial penalties even if they were not paid.

“The hurt that was caused was immeasurable,” McDonald said in her opening statement. “There was catastrophic loss of life.”

White Island, an active volcano, lies around 50 km (31 miles) offshore from the town of Whakatane on the east coast of North Island and had been a popular tourist destination prior to the eruption. Tourists are no longer able to visit the island.

Victims and their families, several of whom have travelled from overseas, will read out statements about the impact of the eruption on their lives before the judge hands down sentences and required reparation payments later this week or next week.

In this file photo dated Dec 16, 2019, New Zealand flag (left and right) fly at half mast alongside an Australian flag (center) in respect for victims of the December 9 White Island volcanic eruption, at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand. (PHOTO / AFP)

McDonald said White Island Tours had NZ$5 million and Volcanic Air had NZ$300,000 available for reparation payments through insurance they held. The other entities did not have funds available to pay reparations.

READ MORE: 5 dead, many more missing in eruption of New Zealand volcano

Government funded research institute Geological Nuclear Sciences will be sentenced later in the week for its failure to ensure the health and safety of helicopter pilots transporting scientists to the island. The charge is unrelated to the events on the day of the eruption.