Mrs Sunderland said it wasn’t insured. And they had sponsors that helped fund the venture. They aren’t rich.
“Clearly, it will be very expensive,” Evans said. “Obviously when someone is at risk you have to respond. But I personally have a view that we should be more careful about what we allow people to do in these circumstances.”
“Even the U.S. Sailing Association refused to sponsor Sunderland’s bid, considering it too dangerous. She did not have insurance for her trip, and her mother has said there is no way the family could pay the rescuers even if asked.”
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-sunderland-rescue-cost,0,4247637.story