STONEHAVEN WOMAN SAFE AFTER EARTHQUAKE NIGHTMARE
THE family of a Stonehaven women feared missing in the aftermath of the Chilean earthquake were this week celebrating news that she is safe and well.
Kirsty Duff and her Edinburgh boyfriend Dave Sandercock called their worried families on Monday night to let them know they had made it safety to Santiago from the coastal town of Pichilemu.
The couple, who are both keen surfers, were travelling round South America when the 8.8 magnitude quake struck, killing more than 700 people.
With telephone lines down, communication outwith the area was virtually impossible, leaving relatives in limbo with no news of their loved ones.
Miss Duff's mother Sarah and sister Fay told the Leader of the overwhelming relief the family felt when they heard from her.
Mrs Duff said: "It has been awful but the main thing is that they are fine. It's a strange feeling, but it's great, just great. I think it is going to take them a while to get out Chile, but the main thing is that they are fine, although it would be really nice to see them now. They were by the sea and the tidal waves were the thing that was really scaring me."
Fay said: "When I spoke to Kirsty she said a wave came and they were all told to run up this hill. I'm not sure what they did for three days after that. She said they had to borrow money to get on the bus to Santiago."
Mrs Duff added: "We owe a huge thank you to someone out there for lending them that money, otherwise they would not have been able to get on the bus. The support that we have received from everybody round about us has been amazing, just amazing. Our hearts go out to all the people out there, and the rescuers. We are so happy for ourselves, but there are a lot of people who won't get our happy ending."
Mr Sandercock's sister Ellie had been appealing for information on the pair via the social networking site Twitter, and also announced the good news on the site.
She said: "Thrilled to announce that Dave Sandercock and Kirsty Duff are safe in Santiago. Massive relief all round!
"Thanks to everyone for kind wishes. We've had direct contact with Dave and Kirsty. Hoping others find their loved ones soon."
Details of Mr Sandercock and Miss Duff were posted on the website Google Person Finder, which was set up for families concerned about relatives caught up in the earthquake.
The Surfer's Cottage, an eco-cottage for surfers in Pichilemu, also appealed for information about missing people on its website.
The company said the area was not badly damaged but there is no energy and telephones are not working properly.
Carol Shea, of Stonehaven Tennis Club where the Duff family are regular players, said everyone was delighted the story had ended well.
She said: "The whole Duff family have been members for many years and the club were very upset and worried to hear about the situation earlier in the week.
"We are absolutely delighted to hear she is safe and well, and have passed that message on to the family."
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Weather for Stonehaven
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 43 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
