16-year-old Abby Sunderland, who is attempting to sail solo around the world, has triggered a distress signal during rough seas in the Indian Ocean today.

Ms. Sunderland's small sailboat was adrift in the middle of the Indian Ocean about 2,000 miles east of Madagascar, 2,000 miles west of Australia, and 500 miles north of the French Antarctic Islands.

The government of Reunion, a French island, diverted a fishing boat toward her last known position, but it is not expected to reach the area until Saturday. An Australian military ship, more than two days sail away, has also been dispatched. An Airbus jet has been chartered to fly over the area at sunrise Friday to see if her vessel could be spotted from the air.

Electronic signals from the boat indicate it is drifting at just a mile per hour, which means it is still afloat but not under sail. The mast might have fallen or Ms. Sunderland could have been injured, preventing her from sailing. Ms. Sunderland should be well equipped to survive a crisis situation, as she has a dry suit, survival suit, life raft, and ditch bag with emergency supplies on board.

As previously reported here, Ms. Sunderland began her journey from Marina del Rey, California, on January 23 with the goal of sailing her 40-foot boat around the world without stopping. Mechanical troubles forced her to make two stops for repairs, including at Cape Town, South Africa, in April.

When Abby's older brother Zac sailed around the world alone last year he became the youngest person to ever do so. Australian Jessica Watson took over the distinction last month when she completed a non-stop solo circumnavigation just three days before her 17th birthday. Ms. Sunderland has been on a schedule to complete her global journey about two months before her 17th birthday, which is on October 19.

I am earnestly hoping for Abby's safety, and wish the best for her and her family at this trying time.