Breaking: All 4 Missing Australian Surfers and 2 Out of 3 Indonesian Crew Found Alive; Search Continues for Remaining Crew Member
After two nights lost at sea somewhere between Nias and the Banyak Islands, 6 out of the 7 missing have been found. To watch video of the moment 4 out of 7 were found floating on surfboards, click here.
The search continues for the lone missing Indonesian crew member, but hope remains.
According to this website, which is being updated as new information becomes available, "The captain and crewman who saved 8 Australians lives from the wild storm on 13.8.23 via finding shelter in intense circumstances and navigating through the wild storm with minimal to no resources, did not stop searching the entire time persons were lost at sea. The local crew, and their friends are the true heroes, who had little to no resources, but ended up with the result.
"The captain (yustinus) and crewman who managed to navigate and save 8 Australians on 13/8/23 are still out at sea looking for there last missing friend.
"Elliot was found by local fisherman over 20 miles away after being lost at sea by himself. The local fisherman from Nias Island dropped Elliot to a nearby surf camp in the Bay of Plenty.
"The heroic and collective efforts from Boat 2 Australians + Indonesian crew, the local Village effort, the crew of Grant Richardsons Sea Mi Amore who went out late at night with full confidence that the persons were Alive and would be found. An extensive crew of surf boat charters, sailing boats, local boats, BASARNA INDONESIAN AUTHORITIES, Jordans family friend contact Steve within Indonesia, AMSA (AUSTRALIA), DFAT (AUSTRALIA), THE FAMILIES ,FRIENDS, STAFF OF DESTINATION ISLAND AND ALL OTHER PEOPLE INVOLVED ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SURVIVAL OF 6/7 PEOPLE TO THIS POINT. THE EFFORT DID NOT STOP.
"The guidance from appropriate authorities and collaboration between international agencies including the Australian effort to get things happening in a difficult diplomatic climate, was exceptional. With minimal resources on our island, the non 8 non missing Australians were able to coordinate a search mission, chain of events, chain of assets and chain of communication which joined forced and made the situation accessible, clear and up to date to all relevant people at all times.
"The Missing Australians and Indonesians managed to work together and save each others lives. The Ship sunk in the adverse weather and upon a rushed and catastrophic exit in which the vessel sunk, what ever what was accessible could be helpful in the survival effort was taken. The Missing persons have been through a significantly traumatic event and privacy must be respected.
"It is presumed that the remaining missing Indonesian Person is now a retrieval mission, and feared passed away.
"But hope within the local village community does remain. It is a traumatic time for the local village who worked non stop, above there means, and risked their lives constantly in the retrieval effort of all missing persons. The locals stayed out in there small boats at night, when officials would not continue in darkness.
"Search continues for remaining Indonesian lost at sea, lead by local Yusitinus and his crew of heroes."
We're also holding out hope the lone missing Indonesian is found alive soon, and this wild story can truly get a happy ending. Stay tuned.
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