Australian surfers trapped at Indonesian port over coronavirus fears

By Renae Henry • Asia Correspondent

Twelve Australians are trapped on a boat at an Indonesian port, blocked from disembarking their surf charter over coronavirus fears, and down to their last supplies of food and water.

Despite the surfers clearing screening in Bali and Lombok before their 10-day venture, and not showing any symptoms, when they arrived in Sumba on Saturday they were forced into lockdown on their vessel.

The men, most of them from Newcastle, told 9News a doctor visited but rather than assess them instead said they wouldn't be allowed on land.

Twelve Australians are trapped on their surf charter over virus fears. (9News)

"Seven days ago while we were out at sea on the boat with no service, no reception, the Bupati which is the local government for the area passed a bill which said they would not be accepting foreigners to come on land," Brydon Roper said.

The boat only has enough fuel to travel from Waingapu Harbour to the closest alternative port but the captain's received word they'd be banned from disembarking there as well.

"We've all missed our flight back to Bali and half of us back to Australia," Mr Roper said.

A doctor visited the group on board but said they wouldn't be allowed on land. (9News)

All of the surfers onboard cleared virus screening in Bali. (9News)

"We've had one boat come out to speak to us to basically tell us we can't come to land. We've had no assistance offered to us, no food, no water and we just had our last meal."

The group claims to have reached out to the Australian government for assistance but is still waiting to hear back.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment.

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