Earthquake couple safe

Tuesday 2nd March 2010, 2:30PM GMT.

Andre Lanyon and Laura Hapgood were listed as missing on The Surfer’s Cottage eco-accommodation website shortly after the earthquake. (0924871)

A LOCAL couple missing since the Chilean earthquake are safe.

Andre Lanyon and girlfriend Laura Hapgood, both 29, had not contacted family or friends since Friday, the day before the 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck.

But yesterday Valerie and Kevin Lanyone received an internet phone call from their son.

‘We’re all so relieved,’ said Mrs Lanyon, 55. ‘It’s just wonderful news.’

Miss Hapgood had sent an email to Mrs Lanyon telling her that they were safe, but a lack of power in the area they were in had meant there was no communication.

‘Just as we were reading the email, I had a call and it was from Andre,’ said Mrs Lanyon.

‘It was so wonderful to hear his voice and all the family were here at the time, too.’