Whoopi Goldberg Stranded in Sicily as Mount Etna Erupts

Actress and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg missed Monday's episode of "The View" after being stranded in Sicily due to the eruption of Mount Etna. She was on vacation when the volcano disrupted her travel plans home.

Co-host Joy Behar filled in and joked about the missing panelists, saying they were "dropping like flies." Ana Navarro was stuck in Miami due to weather, Sara Haines dealt with storm damage, and Whoopi used "the old volcano excuse."

Goldberg sent a video dispatch explaining that Mount Etna's eruption forced the closure of airports near Catania, leaving her unable to fly back to the U.S. Volcanic ash makes air travel unsafe, so flights remain suspended.

With her trademark humor, Whoopi declared her vacation nightmare tops everyone else's troubles and delivered the ultimate excuse: "A volcano ate my homework." She remains in Sicily waiting for the volcano to calm down.

Mount Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and its eruptions often disrupt flights in the region. It's unclear when Whoopi will return to the show — it all depends on the volcano's activity.

Fans have been understanding, and Whoopi seems to keep her spirits up. She is expected to be back on air once airports reopen.