[centurion316]

Mrs Sunderland, who is pregnant with the family's eighth child, said the family did not have the money to compensate Australian rescue officials

While I do not believe that the costs of a rescue at sea ought to be borne by distressed mariners, the financial status of the Sunderland family is bound to change. No doubt a book and movie deal is in the offing, and the question of underwriting the costs of her adventure will come up again.

[naturalman1975]

If I was in their situation, even if I wasn't billed, I'd make some sort of charitable donation.

Three suggestions.

The Australian Volunteer Coastguard for the obvious link to sea rescue in Australia.

CanTeen - The Australian Organisation for Young People Living with Cancer - a charity with a youth focus supported by Qantas who provided the aircraft that responded.

Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer. A French volunteer organisation that rescues those in peril around the French coast, in recognition of the sailors who picked her up.

[toldyou]

“No doubt a book and movie deal is in the offing...”

A reality show was pre-planned...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2533958/posts