Word came today that she has suffered a series of knockdowns and now her emergency beacons are on with no other word from her.
Single-handing around the world is very dangerous no mater how old or young you are.
Weeks ago, Jessica Watson successfully circumnavigated the globe, becoming the youngest person to do so.
Abby Sunderland was making the same attempt, but was eclipsed by the superior media support that Jessica was able to garner. With Jessica's success, Abby's goal changed from being the youngest, to just being one of the successful.
Abby is now in serious trouble.
Very serious.
There will be plenty of time later to analyze and second guess her choices and her decisions up to this point.
Now is the time for prayers for Abby's safety and for luck for the rescue teams on the way out to find her.
See: Abby Sunderland Feared Lost at Sea
And: California teen girl in trouble on solo world sail
And: Abby's Blog
UPDATE
See: Abby is Fine!
We have just heard from the Australian Search and Rescue. The plane arrived on the scene moments ago. Wild Eyes is upright but her rigging is down. The weather conditions are abating. Radio communication was made and Abby reports that she is fine!
Hey Syrah - this is realwest - I've sorta been following this story, ever since the Jessica Watson story but can't say I understand it so well. IIRC, Jessica had a bigger boat and more experience sailing and was the same age, give or take a few months, as is Abby. If she lost her radar - as was reported, I'd imagine she'd have to "BE FOUND" as opposed to finding anything, yes? And I can't imagine that she would have fallen overboard - wouldn't she have taken precautions about that? And from what I've read of her boat (as you know, I know next to nothing about sailboats) was supposedly "self-righting" in the event of it's capsizing and had 5 independet water tight carpetments to help keep the boat afloat - so is it your guess that someting happened to Abby - like knocked out or something - is she still alfoat out at sea but without means of contacting anyone?
ReplyDeletePrayers going up for her right now.
Prayers going up for Abby and her family.
ReplyDeleteSailing solo is risky business.
ReplyDeleteJessica's boat was smaller and in that, may have been easier for a small person to single-hand. An Open 40 is a big boat. It may have been too big.
It could also be something as simple as a poor choice compounded by bad luck.
If she suffered a knockdown while on deck, she may have been washed overboard and separated from her boat. Being on deck in a storm is very dangerous. She may have thought that her trip on top would be too brief to need her life-line, or it could even be that her life-line broke.
Hopefully they will find her safe if but a bit soggy with all of her communications gear soaked and damaged. The sea hates electronics with a passion. We can pray that she is only off-line and not overboard.