Do you have any more information on that or is it just a random secondhand comment? I think it is really interesting how FT is generally negative on the boats but I can't really pin down why aside from vague "safety" issues. Helicopter trips, OTOH, have been known to have safety issues, but rarely--it just makes big news when it happens.
The only truly dangerous way to view the lava is up close on foot. That is where there are a lot of dangers from collapses and fumes are.

I'm really serious that I want to hear the dangers--in the 6 responses by 5 people, I'm the only one who has done it and there have been 2 comments revolving on safety that don't really address too much about what those issues are. Proximity to something hot =/= inherent danger.
To be honest, I felt more unsafe doing the Alae Crater for sunset with nobody around, fairly rough+unstable terrain, and the steam from all the rock fissures. http://picasaweb.google.com/m.j.crnk...92236892238610