Abby Update

Abby has activated two manual EPIRBs. One is attached to the boat and the other is attached to her. Since the activation of these EPIRBs Wild Eyes, her boat, has drifted 12 miles at a speed of 1 knot. This indicates Wild Eyes is not under sail. There is no information currently on her location relative to Wild Eyes. The good news is an automatic EPIRB which is activated by submersion has not been activated. It is unclear to me from the reports I have read if this EPIRB is attached to her or the boat. It would be logical for this type of EPIRB to be attached to her.

All of this occurred about 500 miles from the nearest land. This distance makes an air rescue impossible. Even still a Quantas aircraft will fly set out tonight at 11pm our time to see if they can get a visual fix and possibly VHF communication with Abby. If so, there will be meaningful information by morning.

If the plane is unable to locate her the next best opportunity for information or a rescue is two boats heading her way. The closest boat is 40 hours away and the second 48. She has both a life boat and dry suit which she'll need as she's in 50-55 degree water.

I'll post again as more information becomes available.