Rescuers searched Thursday for a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was attempting a solo sail around the world.
Family spokesman Christian Pinkston said the search began for Abby Sunderland somewhere between Africa and Australia. He says emergency beacons activated overnight and there has been a loss of communication.
She was feared in trouble in the southern Indian Ocean.
Abby set sail from Los Angeles County's Marina del Rey on Jan. 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 website says she left Cape Town, South Africa, on May 21 and on Monday reached the halfway point of her goal.
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