Australian Teen Heroically Swims 2.5 Miles to Rescue Family at Sea
A remarkable story of bravery unfolded recently when a 13-year-old Australian boy, Austin Appelbee, undertook a perilous swim to rescue his family from treacherous ocean conditions.
Heroic Rescue Off the Australian Coast
Austin’s daring feat occurred off the coast of Quindalup, Western Australia, as his family faced life-threatening circumstances. While visiting from Perth, the Appelbee family encountered rough seas that swept them away from safety while kayaking and paddle boarding.
The Swim to Safety
On a Friday around midday, strong winds quickly pulled Austin’s mother, Joanne, and his younger siblings, Beau, 12, and Grace, 8, about nine miles (14 kilometers) from shore. After attempting to paddle an inflatable kayak for help, Austin realized it was taking on water. In a crucial decision, he abandoned the kayak and began his nearly four-hour journey, swimming 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) through daunting waves.
Austin’s Determination
Austin, who opted to swim without a life jacket for better mobility, focused on reaching land. He later recounted his thoughts during the swim: “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” Finally, after battling enormous waves, he reached the beach, collapsed in exhaustion, but successfully initiated a rescue operation.
Rescue Efforts and Their Consequences
By around 8:30 p.m., emergency responders located Joanne and her children clinging to a paddleboard with life jackets. They had endured almost 10 hours in the frigid water, visibly shivering by the time help arrived. Police Inspector James Bradley praised Austin’s actions, highlighting the courage and determination that saved his family.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Decision
Joanne Appelbee described the painful moment when she instructed Austin to seek help. “One of the hardest decisions I ever had to make was to say to Austin: ‘Try and get to shore and get some help,’” she shared. As night fell, fear began to creep in as they waited for assistance.
The Family’s Recovery
Upon rescue, all family members were assessed medically and fortunately did not require hospitalization. Beau, however, had lost feeling in his legs due to the cold. Joanne expressed immense gratitude for their safety: “I have three babies. All three made it. That was all that mattered.”
Conclusion
This event serves as a reminder of both the unpredictability of nature and the remarkable bravery that can emerge in desperate situations. The heroic swim of Austin Appelbee highlights the strength of family bonds and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.
