Desperate search efforts will continue today for the four missing Australians whose boat hit bad weather off the coast of Indonesia.
Several Indonesian rescue boats have joined the search for the wooden speed boat. It also had three Indonesians on board travelling around Sarang Alu and Banyak islands.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the four Australians are Elliot Foote, Jordan Short, Will Teagle, and Steph Weisse.
The groups’ families released a joint statement, saying their heart were “aching at the thought” of their loved ones missing at sea.
“We continue to pray and hold out hope they will be found,” the statement read.
“We’d like to thank the Indonesian authorities and the Australian government for their ongoing assistance while search and rescue efforts continue.”
Mr Foote’s father sent him and 11 of his friends on a surfing trip ahead of his 30th birthday as a gift.
The boat left Nias off Sumatra at about 3pm local time on Sunday and was headed for the four-hour trip to Pinang resort in the Banyak Islands.
It was one of two boats travelling; however the Sydney Morning Herald reported the second boat took shelter at Sarang Alu Island when the fleet encountered bad weather on Sunday night.
The second boat continued its journey and arrived at Pinang about 10pm on Sunday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to The Guardian the search and rescue operation was under way.
“(DFAT) 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.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those missing during this distressing time.”