Whakatane, New Zealand (CNN) Military personnel will attempt to recover bodies of the remaining victims of New Zealand's White Island volcano tragedy at first light Friday local time -- four days after it erupted.

A total of 47 people were on the island, which is 50 kilometers (31 miles) off the coast of Whakatane on the country's North Island, when the eruption occurred on Monday. Eight people have been confirmed dead, with eight others missing and presumed dead. Another 21 people are in specialist burns units in hospitals across New Zealand, while seven others have been flown to Australia for treatment -- with more expected to follow, health officials said Thursday.

Eight members of the New Zealand Defense Force will attempt to access the island -- also known as Whakaari -- on Friday from naval vessel HMS NZ Wellington.

White smoke was still billowing from the volcano on Thursday. GeoNet, New Zealand's hazard monitoring system, said at 5:30 p.m local time on Thursday (11:30 p.m E.T. Wednesday) there was still a "medium" likelihood of 50% to 60% of eruptive activity over the next 24 hours, making the military's rescue mission a risky one.

White smoke can still be seen billowing from the White Island volcano on December 12.

The attempt comes amid mounting frustration from some victims' families about the pace of the operation.

Read More