Relief as Scots feared dead in Chile quake call families

THE family of a former Heriot's rugby captain missing in Chile's earthquake zone today spoke of their relief after hearing he was safe and well.

Dave Sandercock and his girlfriend Kirsty Duff, both 25, had not been seen or heard from since the massive earthquake struck the surfing resort where they were staying on Saturday.

A message posted on a website even claimed Mr Sandercock was dead.

But last night the pair rang home after reaching Chile's capital, Santiago.

Mr Sandercock's sister Ellie revealed the news on the Twitter website, which she had been using to appeal for information about the couple.

She wrote: "Thrilled to announce Dave Sandercock & Kirsty Duff are safe in Santiago. Massive relief all round. Sandercock family really grateful for all messages of support."

Earlier, Miss Sandercock had dismissed a claim that her brother was dead on the Chile Person Finder website, as "a crank message".

Stirling University graduate Mr Sandercock, who lives in Trinity, and Miss Duff, from Stonehaven, arrived in the Chilean surf resort of Pichilemu three weeks ago.

Today Ms Duff's brother Murray said: "We are all really relieved and it's great to have her safe.

"We spoke to Kirsty and Dave last night and they are both safe and sound.

"We are delighted and want to thank everybody for their support.

"They managed to get a bus to Santiago. They said the community spirit was great."

He added: "It was a very traumatic experience.

"Our hearts go out to the other families in Chile who didn't get the news that we did."

He said his mum Sarah was trying to arrange to get the couple back to Scotland.

Pichilemu was hit by a nine-foot-high wave. The latest reports from Pichilemu are yet to confirm any deaths, but suggest electricity supplies have been severed, communication lines are down and that roads are badly damaged.

Mr Sandercock was described as a talented sportsman and "a legend" by those who knew him at George Heriot's, where he captained the school rugby team. His family in Edinburgh is understood to include a twin brother Robert.

Former Heriot's teammate Phil Nurse, 24, who works in security, said: "He's very much into his sports and is pretty well remembered by everyone at school as a bit of a legend."

The Sandercock and Duff families issued a joint statement saying: "We have been in direct contact with Kirsty and Dave and can confirm they are safe and well.

"We wish to thank all of those who have offered support and assistance during this difficult time, We hope that all other families find their loved ones soon.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a message of sympathy to Chilean president Michelle Bachelet as millions of pounds worth of aid was announced for the stricken country.

Around 1.5 million Chileans were affected by the tremors, which caused buildings and roads to collapse and left 500,000 homes severely damaged.