THOUSAND OAKS, California (AP)—A 16-year-old California girl who is awaiting rescue in the Indian Ocean aboard her storm-damaged yacht will likely give up on her dream of sailing solo around the world, a familyspokesman said Friday.
“This is the end of the dream. There’s no boat to sail,” he said.
Sunderland set off a distress beacon when her sailboat became damaged by 30-foot (9-meter) waves.
Her boat’s mast was broken—ruining satellite phone reception—and was dragging with the sail in the ocean, said search coordinator Mick Kinley, acting chief of the Australia Maritime Safety Authority that chartered a commercial jet for the search.
But the keel was intact, the yacht was not taking on water and Sunderland was equipped for the conditions, he said.
“The aircraft (crew) spoke to her. They told her help was on the way and she sounds like she’s in good health,” Kinley told reporters in Canberra.
“She’s going to hang in there until a vessel can get to her.”
AAA said they would be sending a boat and would be there in the standard 45 minutes. State Farm will access the damage. State Farm spokesperson said privately, “she is a female driver so we expect her rates to go up a little.” Unfortunately we see this all the time around prom time.” Family spokesman said that Abby was bad about sailing and texting.. Her dad said the yacht would be parked in the garage for an undisclosed length of time..
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