Rescue of drifting teen sailor delayed by rough weather in southern Indian Ocean

Rough weather delays teen sailor rescue

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A spokesman says rough weather will delay the rescue of a 16-year-old California girl adrift in her damaged yacht in the Indian Ocean.

Jeff Casher, an adviser to Abby Sunderland’s solo quest to sail around the world, said Friday a French fishing boat will arrive later than the estimated time of 11 a.m. PDT Saturday. He was not sure when the boat would arrive.

Australian search rescue teams spotted Abby drifting in the frigid, rough Indian Ocean, her sailboat damaged by 30-foot waves that prompted her to set off a distress signal.