Teenage sailor awaits rescue boat

A 16-year-old girl trying to sail solo around the world was adrift in the southern Indian Ocean last night awaiting rescue after 30ft waves wrecked her yacht.

Following a desperate emergency call then tense 20 hours of silence, a search plane launched from Australia's west coast made radio contact with Abby Sunderland whose family is in California. Her boat's mast was broken – ruining satellite phone reception – and was dragging with the sail in the ocean, said the Australia Maritime Safety Authority which chartered a commercial jet for the search. But the keel was intact, the yacht was not taking on water and Abby was equipped for the conditions.

A spokesman said: "The aircraft (crew) spoke to her. They told her help was on the way and she sounds like she's in good health. She's going to hang in there until a vessel can get to her," probably on Saturday, he said.

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A lifelong sailor, Abby had begun her journey trying to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop around the world and continued her trip after mechanical failures dashed that dream.

Abby told searchers that she was doing fine with a heater and at least two weeks' food.

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