Missing Kiwi's mother hopeful of safety

Ryan Irissarri, David Machin and Ben Gavin-Young. Photo / Supplied Facebook

The mother of one of three New Zealand sailors missing in Indonesia is hopeful they were not in the area struck by a tsunami on October 25.

Ryan Irissarri, David Machin, and Ben Gavin-Young, all from Kerikeri, have not been heard from since the tsunami.

The group are on a year-long surfing trip in Indonesia and last contacted relatives from Sibolga, in north Sumatra, on the day of the disaster, which has claimed 431 lives.

Ryan Irissarri's mother Joanie this morning told nzherald.co.nz she was still waiting to hear from her son and his friends, but having spoken to the New Zealand Embassy in Indonesia was hopeful they were safe.

"I believe they were further north than the tsunami," she said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) said the men were understood to be on a boat which departed Sibolga and was heading for Mentawai, on October 25.

Mfat confirmed the family of one of the men had contacted the New Zealand embassy, in Jakarta, on October 27 due to their concerns for the men.

"Family have advised that typically the young men only make contact with family and friends while in port, which has tended to be every two to three weeks," a spokeswoman said.

The embassy had been in regular contact with the Indonesian National Search and Rescue office in Padang, since the men were reported missing.

The location of the yacht and its route remained unknown, she added.

- NZHERALD STAFF and NZPA