QUINDALUP, Australia (Diya TV) — Austin Appelbee,13, swam nearly four kilometers through rough seas off Western Australia’s southwest coast to save his mother and two siblings.
Appelbee, his mother Joanne, and his younger brother and sister set out on a holiday outing near Quindalup, about 250 kilometers south of Perth. The family launched a kayak and inflatable paddleboards on a Friday morning. They carried no food or water and planned to return within an hour.
By midday, conditions deteriorated and strong currents pushed them away from shore. Joanne realized the situation could turn deadly within minutes. With the kayak failing, Joanne asked Austin to swim to shore and get help.
“One of the hardest decisions I ever had to make was to send him,” she said. “I knew he was the strongest.”
Austin initially tried to tow the family toward shore but abandoned the kayak when it continued to fill with water. He removed his life jacket and swam alone toward land.
“I just kept thinking, ‘Keep swimming,’” he said.
The teenager swam nearly four kilometers in heavy seas. After reaching land, Austin ran to find a phone and called emergency services.
“I need helicopters. I need planes. I need boats. My family is out at sea,” he said.
WA Water Police, a rescue helicopter and Naturaliste Marine Rescue conducted the search. Crews located Joanne, Beau and Grace at about 8:30 p.m., approximately 14 kilometers offshore. They had been in the water for up to 10 hours.
After his call for help, Austin collapsed on the beach. Doctors later said his effort matched the strain of running two marathons. He now uses crutches for sore legs.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook praised the teen as a hero. He called Austin’s bravery beyond his years. Joanne said her greatest concern now is the mental toll on her children. Still, she remains grateful.
