Sailor Abby Sunderland has been located alive and well

Abby Sunderland, 16, has been found alive and apparently well but without her mast and rigging in the Indian Ocean.

An Australian plane with 11 trained observers found Sunderland -- who on Thursday had activated two emergency distress beacons signaling an international rescue attempt -- after daybreak Friday, and the crew was able to contact her on a marine radio channel.

Sunderland, a high-school junior from Thousand Oaks, Calif., had been attempting to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone. She had been enduring rough seas for several days and on Thursday lost satellite phone contact with her family. Earlier, she had lost her Internet connection

She lost her mast and rigging after her vessel apparently rolled in heaving seas. Her position is extremely remote, more than 2,000 miles from Australia and Africa.

"I was envisioning all sorts of nightmare situations," Marianne Sunderland, Abby's mom, said when reached via phone at her family's home in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Marianne and Laurence Sunderland, and six other children, had remained in their home, refusing to talk to reporters, until they had learned the fate of their daughter.

Marianne did not speak with Abby but her oldest daughter told the airplane crew she "was fine" and not badly hurt.

A rescue has not been made, however. The nearest ship bound for her position is about 30 hours away, but fierce winds and seas that had been upwards of 40 feet are abating. Australian, American and French search-and-rescue authorities are cooperating in the rescue attempt.

-- Image of Abby Sunderland courtesy of ©2010 Lisa Gizara/GizaraArts.Com

Comments

[Juan A. Menchaca]

Dear Abby and family,
I for one am very happy to hear that you are are doing great. Only those who understand why you attempted this adventure with the full of your parents will be positive of the matter. You have every right to hold your head up high, all of you. The only good thing is that we learn by our mistakes and take those under consideration, make adjustments the NEXT time. Most "record breakers", attempt the same several times before they are successful. Good luck in your future.

[cc]

Why did you force a winter crossing? And since you did, then why didn't you get a trailing vessel? Im all for adventure, but the risks need to be taken intelligently. Careless parents.

[Mark]

Sunderland Family,

I screamed for joy Abby is safe and sound after I found out this AM. I am sorry, however, that her goal to sail around the world might be over with her damaged mast. But just like she lived her dream, never say never that it's over.

[Nico]

Dear Abby (and parents)
i'm happy to received the news that you're ok, so far. Not saved and still in severe weather without a mast and a pretty messed up mental state i guess. Hang on and stay positive. I read almost all the comments on the first post when your epirbs were activated, my god what a I'm-safe-behind-the-computer-reactions.
We are so scared of everything these days, and overprotecting our children. If the parents are adventurous types the kids will be the same, but we become fewer and fewer. The main thought these days is to spoil them and try to keep them away from drugs, alcohol, sex and...nature....adventure at all costs, a beer is not that bad, neighter is a joint just to experience it. You will see, they loose the interest in it when it's 'legal' and they will be honest, it's not that much of a fun anyway. I wish you all the best, and hope you don't loose your sense for adventure, but i don't think so. Once you've got it, you won't loose it!!
Your sixteen, just on paper. I bed a lot of 18 year olds in the Western countries are more immature than you are!!

Best wishes
Nico from The Netherlands.

[c]

Se merecía que la diesen unos azotes y la manden para casa, eso después de pagar los gastos de su estúpido viaje.