Perth: A 13-year-old boy from Perth, Australia, has been widely praised for what rescuers described as a “superhuman” act of bravery — swimming for nearly four hours through rough, choppy seas to get help after his mother and two younger siblings were swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia.
The incident occurred on January 30 while the family was holidaying at Quindalup, Geographe Bay. Strong winds and large waves pulled their hired paddleboards and kayak away from shore. The family — 47-year-old Joanne Appelbee, her 12-year-old son Beau, 8-year-old daughter Grace, and 13-year-old son Austin Appelbee — were carried offshore in deteriorating conditions, reported NDTV World.
Realising the danger, Austin first tried to paddle back to shore in an inflatable kayak to raise the alarm, but the vessel began taking on water. He then began the harrowing swim toward land. For the first two hours, he wore his life jacket, but later removed it when he felt it was slowing him down, continuing without it for the final stretch.
After an exhausting four-hour swim, Austin reached shore around 6 pm. Collapsing from fatigue, he then ran about 2 km to their accommodation to find a phone and call for help.
Rescue Operation and Reunion
Once emergency services were notified, a multi-agency search involving helicopters and boats was launched. Around 8:30 pm, rescue teams located Joanne, Beau and Grace nearly 14 km offshore, clinging to a single paddleboard. They were pulled from the water by a volunteer marine rescue vessel and returned safely to shore.
All family members were treated for minor injuries and none required hospital admission, authorities said.
Police Inspector James Bradley commended Austin’s courage, saying his determination and quick thinking saved the lives of his family. Paul Bresland, commander of Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue, described the teen’s effort as “superhuman.”
Joanne Appelbee told reporters that sending her son for help was “one of the hardest decisions” she ever made, but trusted his ability to reach shore. She added that the family stayed positive while waiting to be found
