Four Australians missing in Indonesia found alive, floating on surfboards
All four Australians missing at sea off the Indonesian coast have been found alive.
A family member confirmed to 9News that Steph Weisse, Will Teagle, Elliot Foote and Jordan Short were found alive after going missing when their boat ran into bad weather on Sunday night.
9News understands Weisse, Teagle and Short were found floating in the water on surfboards.
Foote’s father Peter earlier told media his son had paddled off on his surfboard and left the group to get help, but hadn’t been found yet.
After an anxious wait and conflicting reports, Peter received a heartwarming text message from his son confirming he was alive.
He said the text read: “Hey Dad, Elliot here. I’m alive. Safe now. Love you. Chat later.”
He also received a message from a friend in Indonesia confirming his son was alive.
Despite the turmoil of the past two days, Peter had always remained “optimistic” and held out hope the group would be found alive.
“What a scare he’s put me through,” he said.
The four, who are from Sydney, were on a surf trip to celebrate Foote’s 30th birthday.
Three local crew members had also been on board the boat, two of whom have been located.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was “incredible news” that the group was found.
“A huge thank you to all those who were part of this days-long search,” he tweeted.
“This would’ve been such a tough time for Elliot, Steph, Will and Jordan, as well as their families.
“We can’t wait to welcome them home.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson confirmed earlier a search and rescue operation had been underway since the group had been reported missing.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the families of four Australians onboard and is working closely with Indonesian authorities to support search and rescue efforts,” a spokesperson said.
DFAT is yet to release an updated statement confirming the news that the group has been found.
Teagle’s sister, Amy, said a group of 12 was on two wooden longboats heading from Nias island, about 120 kilometres from the North Sumatra coast, to the Banyak Islands, in Aceh.
Nias and the Banyak Islands are more than 50 kilometres apart at the closest point.
One of the boats with eight on board sought shelter on Sarang Alu Island while the other boat with Foote, Weisse, Short and Teagle continued on the trip.
The second boat didn’t reach its destination.
Basarnas, the National Search and Rescue Agency in Indonesia, said the boat had gone missing about 6pm on Sunday near an island in the Banyaks called Sarang Alu.
The authority said waves were three to four metres high amid heavy rain and it was dark when the group went missing.
The search had been suspended on Monday night and resumed at first light on Tuesday when the group was found.
