Uruguayans survive boat mishap

PADANG, West Sumatra: Five Uruguayan tourists and four crew members survived when a boat capsized in waters off Tuapeijat in the Mentawai Islands early on Thursday, it was confirmed on Saturday.

A large wave hit the boat causing it to overturn. The five surfers and four crew floated in the sea, clinging to surfboards for about six hours before drifting ashore to a small island near Tuapeijat.

One of nine paddled to Tuapeijat on a surfboard to report the incident to the local port authority.

Muara Padang Marine Security chief Darmansyah confirmed the incident but said he had yet to obtain the names of the tourists, ship's crew and the ship's owner. -- JP