Jessica Watson Press Release

07-Sep-2009

Australia's Jessica Watson is more determined than ever to achieve her dream to become the youngest person ever to sail solo, non-stop, around the world following an incident off the south east Queensland coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Jessica's 10 metre vessel, Ella's Pink Lady, was involved in a collision with a bulk carrier approximately 28 kilometres east of Stradbroke Island at around 2:00am. At the time, she was conducting sea trials and was in transit from Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast to Sydney, ahead of her planned departure later this month.

Jessica was not injured in the incident and damage to the specially prepared Sparkman and Stevens yacht is yet to be fully determined, however initial observations suggest repairs to the vessel's rigging and a small section of the hull will need to be carried out. Jessica is currently motoring Ella's Pink Lady to Southport on the Gold Cast where a complete assessment will take place. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is conducting a full investigation of the incident. Conditions at the time are reported to have been calm.

Jessica notified her parents immediately after the collision occurred and emergency services were notified. She has been quick to praise the response and support of water police and maritime services who have remained with her throughout the ordeal and are currently assisting with her return to port.

Despite the incident, Jessica is still in high spirits and acknowledges the on-going support of her family, friends and sponsors who are all solidly behind her record breaking bid to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world.

Offers of assistance and repairs have flooded in and organisers of Jessica's round the world quest are overwhelmed by the sentiment of businesses and ordinary members of the community.

A press conference will be held at 1:30pm outside the Gold Coast Water Police base adjacent to Sea World.

For further information, please contact 5 Oceans Media.