It looks like Abby Sunderland is alive and well and her family can breathe a little bit easier.
The teen, who was attempting to become the youngest person to sail solo around the globe, was found by a crew of spotters on jetliner owned by Qantas Airways. The crew also made radio contact with Sunderland.
Her 40-foot vessel, Wild Eyes, had its mast knocked off some rough seas in the Indian Ocean. She is said to be in good spirits and is waiting on a fishing boat which is set to arrive in about one day.
Abby’s parents, Laurence and Marianne Sunderland, posted an update on the teen sailor’s blog late last night:
We have just heard from the Australian Search and Rescue. The plane arrived on the scene moments ago. Wild Eyes is upright but her rigging is down. The weather conditions are abating. Radio communication was made and Abby reports that she is fine!
We don’t know much else right now. The French fishing vessel that was diverted to her location will be there in a little over 24 hours. Where they will take her or how long it will take we don’t know.
More updates as news comes in.
Laurence & Marianne
A rescue effort for the California girl began early yesterday morning after her emergency beacons were activated when she hit rough weather in the southern Indian Ocean.
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