Uruguayans survive boat mishap

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