Rob Delissen of Nieuwegein knew his brother, sister-in-law and their 2-year-old daughter were at a resort in Thailand, but couldn't recall its name. As news spread of the disaster, he began skimming digital photos he had stored on his computer and learned they were on the island of Koh Racha Yai. He was unable to get through by telephone and began browsing messages on the BBC News Web site.

There, he saw a message from a Swedish man who had located a family member on the same island.

Delissen found the Swedish man's telephone number in Stockholm and spoke with him. The Swede gave him his sister's cell phone number and Delissen then contacted her in Thailand.

The woman assured him the resort's guests had all safely fled to high ground, although she said Delissen's brother was not available to talk, as he was out trying to rescue people.