Drifting teen sailor could be rescued within 12 hours after plight in southern Indian Ocean

Sailor could be rescued within 12 hours

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A 16-year-old California girl who is adrift on her damaged yacht in the Indian Ocean will probably give up on her dream of sailing around the world alone.

Jeff Casher, the spokesman for Abby Sunderland’s family, said Friday the teen’s boat is severely damaged and might be sunk at sea instead of being towed ashore and salvaged.

Rescuers are en route to her location and hope to reach her between midnight and 12:30 a.m. Pacific on Saturday.

Sunderland was on a solo quest to sail around the world when a storm damaged her boat and she activated a distress beacon. Australian search rescue teams spotted her adrift in the frigid and choppy Indian Ocean.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Authorities could rescue a 16-year-old California girl early Saturday from her damaged yacht adrift in the Indian Ocean.

A spokesman for the family of Abby Sunderland says her father spoke with Australian authorities, who predicted a rescue between midnight and 12:30 a.m. Pacific time on Saturday. The rescue was initially expected about an hour earlier.

Spokesman Jeff Casher says the rescue would be in the afternoon at Sunderland’s location, allowing plenty of daylight for a rescue. He says the weather appears calmer, with some winds.

Sunderland was on a solo quest to sail around the world when a storm damaged her boat and she activited a distress beacon. Australian search rescue teams spotted her adrift in the frigid and choppy Indian Ocean.