Local authorities in the central Dutch town of Wijk bij Duurstede are refusing to delete 13-year-old Laura Dekker from the municipal register.
The girl, who is planning a solo sailing trip around the world, is prepared to settle in New Zealand to escape Dutch social workers who want to stop her. The Wijk authorities say they first want to see whether Ms Dekker is really leaving town. Being off the register would put her out of reach of the social services.
Laura Dekker was born in New-Zealand and holds three passports; in addition to being Dutch, she is also a New-Zealand and a German national. Her parents are experienced yachtspeople and approve of her ambition to become the world's youngest around-the-world solo sailer.
The Child Protection Board is taking legal steps to suspend parental custody and make the girl a ward of court. It wants to prevent Laura from setting sail.
The board told a court on Monday that a 13-year-old girl is not up to a dangerous solo trip on the seven seas which is likely to last two years. The court will issue verdict on Friday.
Wikimedia Commons photo
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