A group of four Australian surfers and two Indonesian crew members, who had gone missing at sea due to inclement weather, were safely located on their surfboards after spending 38 hours stranded off Indonesia’s Aceh province. The joyful rescue was captured in a dramatic video that showed them bobbing on their surfboards.
Peter Foote, a relieved parent, recounted the harrowing experience of his son, Elliot Foote, who was celebrating his 30th birthday with friends. Elliot sent a message after the rescue, assuring his father of his safety and expressing his love.
The ordeal began when a group of seventeen individuals, including crew members, embarked on a trip from North Nias to Pinang Island for a vacation. The journey was marked by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain. One of the boats sought refuge on Sarang Alu island, while the other, carrying Elliot Foote and six others, continued on its course.
The group was eventually located by Indonesian search and rescue teams. A heartening video, initially shared by the agency, depicted the rescued individuals cheering as they spotted their rescuers approaching.
Although four of the Australians were found clinging to their surfboards at sea, Elliot Foote reportedly paddled to an island to raise the alarm. The fate of the two surviving Indonesian crew members remains unclear.

Amid the celebration of the successful rescue, thoughts remained with the family of the missing crew member, as expressed by the Australian foreign affairs ministry’s spokesperson.
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Peter Foote shared his intention for his son and friends to resume their vacation, emphasizing the desire for them to enjoy their time together. Accidents at sea are regrettably common in Indonesia, given its extensive archipelago and reliance on boats and ferries for transportation.