Young Scots surfers found safe amid the Chile quake chaos

• Kirsty Duff, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, and Dave Sandercock, from Edinburgh.

Concern had been mounting for Kirsty Duff, from Stonehaven, and Dave Sandercock, of Edinburgh, when they failed to phone home after the disaster, which killed more than 700 people.

But their families' fears were allayed last night as Ms Duff and Mr Sandercock, both aged 24, rang home after reaching the Chilean capital Santiago.

Mr Sandercock's sister Ellie revealed the news on website Twitter after spending two days appealing for information on the internet.

She also related that another British couple, Andr Lanyon and Laura Hapgood, had been traced safe and well.

She wrote: "Thrilled to announce that Dave Sandercock & Kirsty Duff are safe in Santiago. Massive relief all round!"

She added: "Sandercock family really grateful for all messages of support.

"Thanks to everyone for kind wishes. We've had direct contact with Dave & Kirsty. Hoping others find their loved ones soon."

Speaking from the family home in the Aberdeenshire coastal town last night, Ms Duff's father, Thomas, said: "We're just delighted.

"We've spoken briefly on the phone and are overjoyed that she is safe. We're hoping to speak to her again later tonight. We would like to thank everyone for all their help and support."

The families of Ms Duff and Mr Sandercock also released a joint statement, saying they were "happy to announce that they have arrived safely".

It added: "We have been in direct contact with Kirsty and Dave and can confirm that 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."

Ms Duff and Mr Sandercock arrived in Chile three weeks ago for a surfing holiday. Their worried relatives had not heard from the couple since the 8.8-magnitude tremor – one of the most powerful ever recorded – devastated the country at the weekend, killing at least 700 people.

The couple were staying at the coastal resort of Pichilemu, an internationally renowned surfers' paradise, but they were only able to phone home last night after arriving in Santiago.

Efforts to make direct contact with the resort were hampered because telephone and power lines have been brought down and there are also problems with mobile phone networks in the earthquake-devastated area.

The Surfer's Cottage, an accommodation facility for holiday-makers in Pichilemu, has posted details on its website of a total of 20 foreign nationals who have been reported missing in the area.

In addition to Ms Duff and Mr Sandercock, the list included Mr Lanyon and Ms Hapgood, from Guernsey, both 29, and Tina Cadwallader Lopes, who was in the resort with her Portuguese husband and two children.

Last night, Mr Lanyon's mother, Valerie, 55, confirmed her son was now safe, saying: "I haven't slept for three days, and I certainly won't be getting any tonight. We're so excited and relieved.

"He sounded fine, she added. "They had just arrived in Santiago when they called."

Mr Lanyon was surprised to learn he had sparked national headlines, his mother said.

Speaking at her home in St Sampson, Guernsey, she added: "My husband asked them if they knew they were famous. I think it came as something of a shock."

The four were in Pichilemu when the quake struck. Mrs Lanyon said her son, a 29-year-old firefighter, and his girlfriend were woken up by the tremors.

She added: "They were sleeping in a hostel when they felt the tremors. They went to the beach which they thought was safer, but when they got there they were told to go up the hill.

"We haven't heard many details yet as to what actually happened, as it was such a quick phone call."