Laura Dekker, the 14-year-old Dutch girl who was prevented from sailing solo around the world, has been found on a Caribbean island.
Laura Dekker disappeared from her father’s home three days ago, but now Dutch police say she has been found “safe and well” on the Dutch Antilles island of St Maarten.
Utrecht police spokesman Bernhard Jens said the girl had been recognised by a woman living on the island who had been alerted to her disappearance by media coverage.
Laura Dekker, who is aiming to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world, made the headlines earlier this year when a Dutch court blocked her attempt to go ahead with the record.
Following the court ruling, she was placed under state supervision with her father until her school year ends in July 2010. The 14-year-old is an experienced sailor and had her first yacht by the age of six and began sailing solo when she was just ten.
The record she wishes to attempt is currently held by Mike Perham, 17, a British sailor. He tackled 50ft waves and gale force winds during the nine months it took him to circumnavigate the world.
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