Lake Toba tourists rescued from high winds, waves

A group of fishermen rescued 10 tourists Thursday afternoon when their two boats, crossing North Sumatra's Lake Toba bound for Samosir island, lost control in heavy waves kicked up by strong winds.

Antara news agency reported the Medan tourists hired two boats to ferry them from Garoga beach to the island. The pilots lost control of their boats when strong winds and heavy waves struck the two boats.

Someone onshore working at Garoga beach saw the distressed boaters and called for the fishermen to help rescue them, as onlookers gathered.

One of the boaters, Irianto, said Friday the Garoga beach attendant who organized the boat trips was responsible for not having rescue teams on hand in case of rough conditions or accidents. (ewd)