Jakarta, IO – Nias Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas Nias) has found four Australian foreigners who went missing in the waters of Pulau Banyak, Aceh Singkil. They were found safe and sound. However, one passenger, an Indonesian citizen, has yet to be found.
Basarnas Nias spokesperson Asanimu Waruwu said the four Australians — Will Teagle, Elliot Foote, Jordan Short and Steph Weisse — were drifting about for several hours around Tuangku Island, per VOA Indonesia, Wednesday (16/8).
“The survivors have been evacuated to Pulau Pinang where they were headed. Currently our team is there and communicating with the victims,” he explained.
Previously, the group of tourists departed from North Nias regency, North Sumatra, together with one other boat carrying 10 people. However, while on their way they encountered bad weather which caused the ship to capsize. The other ship managed to reach destination safely after docking at Sarang Alu Island.
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“They encountered big waves and this caused poor visibility so they didn’t know which way to go,” said Asanimu.
The joint search and rescue team is still searching for one other person named Fifan Satria. Basarnas also appealed to residents to be careful and avoid sea travel when the weather is not conducive. (bp)