Dutch sailor Laura Dekker, 14, goes missing after seeking solo trip around the world

By Banzay on 07:28

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Laura Dekker, the Dutch teen sailor who fought for the right to sail around the world alone, has gone missing.

The 14-year-old appears to have departed from her father's home alone, leaving her beloved boat Guppy untouched.

"We do not believe this is a crime," Utrecht police spokesman Bernhard Jens told The Associated Press by phone on Sunday.

Dekker, with the support of her father sought to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone, but the Utrchect District Court denied her the right in October. She was then put under the supervision of child care authorities.

The young sailor was born on a yacht in New Zealand waters and retains dual Dutch and New Zealand citizenship. Dekker said earlier this year that if Dutch authorities denied her right to sail she might return to New Zealand.

Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant has reported that Dekker withdrew $5000 from her bank account a few days ago.

As a routine measure, Jens said Dutch authorities have told neighboring countries to keep an eye out for Dekker at their respective airports.

"If she is seen somewhere else or tries to leave via an airport or something like that, authorities know we are looking for her," he said. "We are doing everything we can to make sure we can get her back. We are certainly concerned about her health — we are talking about an underage girl."



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