Heimaey is a large island several miles off the southern coast of Iceland. On
January 23, 1973, a huge volcanic eruption occurred and the lava began to flow
towards the harbor. Half a million cubic meters of ash were blown onto the town.
The 5000 people living here were able to escape by sea using the fishing fleet
that was docked in the harbor.

The small boat in the image carries the harbor master who guides large ships
like ours into the Heimaey harbor.