Searchers contact teen lost at sea, says she’s alive and well

Searchers contact teen lost at sea

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A family spokesman says searchers have contacted a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was feared lost at sea and she is alive and well.

William Bennett said late Thursday night that searchers aboard an Airbus A330 spotted Abby Sunderland’s boat in an upright position and made contact with her via radio.

Speaking outside the family’s Thousand Oaks home, Bennett said Sunderland said she was inside the boat and doing fine with a space heater and at least two weeks worth of food.

Bennett said the mast had broken off the disabled boat.

He said a fishing vessel was en route to pick her up. The vessel is expected to reach her in about 40 hours.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — A family spokesman says searchers have contacted a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was feared lost at sea and she is alive and well.

William Bennett said late Thursday night that searchers aboard an Airbus A330 spotted Abby Sunderland’s boat in an upright position and made contact with her via radio.

Speaking outside the family’s Thousand Oaks home, Bennett said Sunderland said she was inside the boat and doing fine with a space heater and at least two weeks worth of food.

Bennett said the mast had broken off the disabled boat.

He said a fishing vessel was en route to pick her up. The vessel is expected to reach her in about 40 hours.