THIS is the incredible moment four Australian tourists were found almost two days after their boat capsized during a storm.
Steph Weisse, Elliot Foote, Will Teagle and Jordan Short were heading to a private island in Indonesia when they vanished on Sunday night.
InstagramThe missing tourists were found floating on surfboards[/caption]
Elliot Foote and Steph Weisse were on the missing boatInstagram
Jordan Short was also on the vesselInstagram
Will Teagle was on board when the storm struckInstagram
They and eight others were on two wooden longboats when perilous conditions rocked their 30-mile voyage to Banyak Islands from Nias island.
One of the vessels made it to shore – but the boat carrying the four friends and three Indonesians failed to.
It sparked a huge rescue mission as crews frantically scoured the ocean for the missing surfers.
But early on Tuesday morning, the group were finally spotted clinging onto surfboards.
They could be heard cheering as a rescue boat closed in.
Steph, Will and Jordan were hauled on board – but Elliot had attempted to swim to shore and was found 5km away.
He was pictured swigging a beer after the ordeal.
Elliot’s dad was relieved when he received a text from his son confirming he was alive.
The text read: “Hey Dad, Elliot here. I am alive, safe now, love you. Chat later.”
Initial search efforts saw more than 20 military, police and volunteers using small boats in a bid to find the missing group.
It’s understood the government also chartered a private plane as the search ramped up.
Local fishermen also scrambled to join the hunt before it was called off at sunset on Monday as poor weather hampered the efforts.
The search resumed on Tuesday morning – and proved successful as the missing group were found and rescued.
The group of friends had rented out bungalows in the resort for Elliot’s 30th birthday celebration.
The secluded island resort is known for its surfing and budget bungalows, which are rented out for $150 per day.
Its website reads: “Our friend and surf guide will take you around to all the best spots.”
AlamyThey had been in the Banyak Islands of Indonesia[/caption]
humasbasarnasnias/TikTokHelicopters and planes were being used to find the boat[/caption]