Search for missing teen solo sailor
The family of a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was attempting a solo sail around the world have launched a search after losing contact with the youngster.
Abby Sunderland was believed to be somewhere between Africa and Australia when emergency beacons activated overnight, followed by a cut in communication.
The teenager is feared to be in trouble in the southern Indian Ocean.
Abby set sail from Los Angeles County's Marina del Rey on January 23 in an attempt to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone without stopping.
Abby soon ran into equipment problems and had to stop for repairs. She gave up the goal of setting the record in April, but continued on her voyage.
Her website says she left Cape Town, South Africa, on May 21 and had reached the halfway point of her journey on Monday.