Dutch court considering request to remove teen sailor Laura Dekker from father’s home

Dutch court mulls removing young sailor from home

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A Dutch court is considering a request from child welfare authorities Wednesday to remove 14-year-old sailor Laura Dekker from her father’s custody after she ran away from home and flew alone to the Caribbean.

Laura, her divorced parents and welfare authorities will discuss her case at Utrecht District Court.

Laura made headlines this year when she announced plans to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

Utrecht court blocked her plans and appointed a temporary guardian to ensure she did not set off.

Last week Laura flew from Paris to the Dutch Caribbean territory of St. Maarten to stay with friends, sparking an international police hunt.