Makassar, South Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - A local search and rescue (SAR) team has rescued two Australians and two British persons sailing from the Philippines to East Timor in Makassar waters.

"We don't exactly know their purpose, but the boat captain claimed that they were on a humanitarian mission when we evacuated them," said the head of the Makassar SAR Office Rokky Asikin here on Tuesday.

The four foreigners have been identified by name as Andrew Jenings (37) and David Hedgkinson (32) from Britain and Lisa Chamberlin (21) and Robert Azopedis (51) from Australia.

Their boat almost sank in Makassar waters near Kapoposang Isle, Ujung Tanah, Makassar.

The four were heading to East Timor when the rear engine of their boat experienced a technical problem. The captain contacted a local SAR team for help at around 8 pm local time.

Captain Andrew said that he and his three colleagues had left from Australia to carry out a humanitarian mission in East Timor.

After their boat was repaired, they continued on their journey to East Timor. (T.KR-BSR/F001)