Family: Rescue boat nearing teen sailor stranded in Indian Ocean

Family: Rescue boat nearing stranded teen sailor

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A family spokesman says a French fishing vessel is expected to shortly reach a stranded California teen in the southern Indian Ocean.

Jeff Casher says the fishing vessel will arrive at Abby Sunderland’s damaged boat around 1 a.m. PDT, an hour later than expected.

A spotter plane flown by Australian search and rescue workers was supposed to have arrived before the French ship but has been delayed and will arrive about 30 minutes later.

Casher says Australian rescuers have been speaking with crew on the French vessel to determine the best way of getting the 16-year-old sailor from one boat to the other. He says the sea is rough and water temperature may be as low as 50 degrees.