California teen girl lost at sea during solo sail around the world, spokesman says
By APThursday, June 10, 2010
Rescuers search for Calif teen on solo world sail
LOS ANGELES — Family members were trying to organize a search Thursday for a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was attempting a solo sail around the world.
Family spokesman Christian Pinkston said Abby Sunderland was believed to be somewhere between Africa and Australia. He says emergency beacons activated overnight and there was a loss of communication.
She was feared in trouble in the southern Indian Ocean.
Abby set sail from Los Angeles County’s Marina del Rey on Jan. 23 in an attempt to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone without stopping.
Abby soon ran into equipment problems and had to stop for repairs. She gave up the goal of setting the record in April, but continued on.
Her website says she left Cape Town, South Africa, on May 21 and on Monday reached the halfway point of her goal.
