The arrival of the first wave, smashing against the wooden boat, set off a desperate scramble for gear: knives, warm clothing, headlamps, water.
The second wave sent the passengers diving overboard, as the boat tipped forward into the ocean.
But a storm swept through, knocking the boat off course and ultimately scuttling the vessel.
“When the first one came in, Jordy was like, ‘All right, guys, this could be serious,’” Mr. Foote said in a video posted to social media.
Multiple Australian and Indonesian crews led the effort, with assistance from local fishermen, private vessels and even a private airplane chartered by family members and the Australian government.
Persons:
Elliot Foote, Will Teagle, Jordan Short, Steph Weisse, Jordy, Mr, Foote
Organizations:
Indonesian
Locations:
Indonesia, Nias, North Sumatra, Indonesian