Abby now on board French ship

Sixteen-year-old sailor Abby Sunderland was rescued this morning by a French fishing vessel, in a delicate operation that included overhead aircraft and the captain of the Ile de la Reunion falling into the sea. He is reported in good condition. Sunderland will likely be transferred to another craft in a couple of days and get to Reunion Island in about a week. Her boat, Wild Eyes, will probably be sunk; she got off with just the clothes she was wearing, her father said. From Abby's blog:

Hey everyone,

Sorry I haven't written in so long as you probably already know I had a pretty rough couple of days. I can't write much now as I am typing on a french key pad as well as trying to stay seated in a bouncy fishing boat.

The long and the short of it is, well, one long wave, and one short mast (short meaning two inch stub.) I'll write a more detailed blog later, just wanted to let every one know I am safe and sound on a great big fishing boat headed I am not exactly sure where.

Crazy is the word that really describes everything that has happened best.

Within a few minutes of being on board the fishing boat, I was already getting calls from the press. I don't know how they got the number but it seems everybody is eager to pounce on my story now that something bad has happened.

There are plenty of things people can think of to blame for my situation; my age, the time of year and many more. The truth is, I was in a storm and you don't sail through the Indian Ocean without getting in at least one storm. It wasn't the time of year it was just a Southern Ocean storm. Storms are part of the deal when you set out to sail around the world.

As for age, since when does age create gigantic waves and storms?

I keep hitting the wrong keys and am still trying to get over the fact that I will never see my Wild Eyes again. So Ill write more later.

Abby

Her parents thank a number of agencies and people in their web post, among them Rep. Elton Gallegly.

Previously on LA Observed:
Sailor answers the radio: 'This is Abby'
Abby found adrift but safe in her boat
Closest boat to Abby is 40 hours away
Rescue efforts underway for Abby Sunderland