NZ sailors safe after Indonesian tsunami

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

Three New Zealand men, missing after Indonesia was struck by a tsunami, have been found safe and well.

David Machin, 24, Ben Gavin-Young, 23, and Ryan Irissarri, 24, all from Kerikeri, had not made contact since the 7.7 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit the area on October 25 when they were believed to be heading to the Mentawai Islands on their yacht the Fat Cat.

However Ryan's mother, Joannie Irrissari, had heard from another vessel that the three friends were fine and well.

"A friend in Malaysia had contact with another boat who had contact with the boys," she said. "They didn't know anyone was looking for them."

Mrs Irrissari was relived to know the trio were all right, but said she had always been confident they would be fine.

"That's what we thought from the beginning - that they were further north of the tsunami and didn't know anyone was wanting to hear from them," she said.

"It is nice to know all is well.

"I'm sure once they get online and read all about this they'll probably be overwhelmed."

- With NZPA