Australian schoolgirl skipper Jessica Watson, 16, has crashed her yacht on her first day at sea ahead of a record solo circumnavigation attempt.
Watson's sloop, Ella's Pink Lady, hit a merchant ship near Stradbroke Island about 2.30am, less than 24 hours after leaving the Sunshine Coast for Sydney.
The Buderim schoolgirl contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which was monitoring her journey, and was told to turn her motor on and head to Southport on the Gold Coast.
The teenager was not injured in the collision, but her yacht's mast and bow were substantially damaged.
She had been on her way to Sydney as part of a 10-day trial run ahead of her attempt to become the youngest ever sailor to circumnavigate the globe unassisted.
AMSA spokeswoman Tracy Jiggins said the 16-year-old collided with the merchant ship about 15 nautical miles east of Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island. It is understood the bulk carrier did not stop after the collision.
"She's absolutely fine. Our rescue co-ordinators have spoken to her this morning and she isn't hurt at all, it is just the boat that is damaged," Ms Jiggins told brisbanetimes.com.au.
"Sh e told us she didn't require any assistance and said she would make her own was to Southport, but Water Police are on hand."
Watson rang mum
Ms Jiggins said Waston called her parents immediately after the crash, who then contacted maritime authorities for help.
"Her parents contacted our rescue co-ordination centre which advised Watson to turn her motor back on and head to Stradbroke Island," Ms Jiggins said.
Watson, who is now 15 nautical miles from shore, later agreed to travel to Southport on the Gold Coast and is expected to arrive in the next two hours.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will also investigate the crash.
Watson left Mooloolaba Wharf yesterday on a week-long test run ahead of her world record attempt to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Bulk carrier 'may have kept going'
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the circumstances of the collision early this morning, but was unlikely to recommend a halt to the solo sail.
ATSB spokesman Richard Batt said details about the crash were still sketchy.
"We know it was a foreign ship heading out of Australia," Mr Batt said.
"We are still gathering some preliminary details.
"It is not our role to apportion blame. From our point of view it would be about seeing whether there could be any safety gains made. The question of whether it is reasonable for a young person to be doing this is not a matter for us."
World quest to continue
Despite the mishap, Watson's spokesman Scott Young said the solo attempt would continue.
"She is determined as ever," Mr Young said.
"It certainly hasn't stopped the voyage. I cannot ever see Jessica not wanting to do this. She is every bit the competent professional."
Mr Young said a preliminary assessment of the yacht indicated there was no structural damage.
"There's mostly just damage to rigging, which can be replaced,'' he said.
"But we'll have to get boat back into port to confirm that at this stage.
"The good news is that we know the tracking systems and communication system on her boat are second to none and that the network of the project team, including her family and those around her, have worked.''
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Brett Harrison said conditions in the area at the time of the crash were relatively calm.
"There would have been come showers around earlier this morning. The wind weren't particularly strong. It doesn't look particularly bad, apart from a few showers, Mr Harrison told ABC Radio.
The attempt has divided public opinion, with parents and child safety groups labelling it irresponsible and fraught with danger.
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff
Twitter