Abby Sunderland, a 16-year old teenager from California, was rescued on June 19, 2010 from her broken boat drifting in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Despite her familiarity with the water and sailing, high winds and rough water damaged the mast of her vessel leaving her boat adrift in the ocean. Her radio transmitter was also damaged, making it difficult for her request help.

This boat accident led to a huge amount of public outcry against Abby’s parents, especially the father who allowed her to undertake such a big risk.  In the end, though, only Abby’s sailing abilities saved her life.  Her father and the training he helped her obtain prior to the trip were responsible for keeping her alive.  Nevertheless, parents should always make sure that their children have adequate knowledge of their vessel, sailing, and that they have a prepared game plan for the worst case scenario that can happen.

We wish and hope that Abby recovers from her injuries completely.  We also hope that she is able, with the proper safety and training and precautions, be able to complete her voyage and achieve her goal to sail around the world.

Ross Jurewitz is a personal injury attorney in San Diego and the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California law firm dedicated to representing people seriously injured and the families of people killed in a boat crash.  If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a San Diego boating accident, please order your free copy of Mr. Jurewitz’s book, The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.