Geographe Bay, Western Australia – A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appelbee, has become an international sensation after swimming for approximately four hours to raise the alarm and save his mother and two siblings who were swept out to sea while kayaking off the coast of Western Australia on . The incident, which occurred near Quindalup Beach, close to Busselton, highlights the swift and unpredictable changes in coastal conditions and the extraordinary courage of a young teenager.
The Appelbee family – Joanne Appelbee and her children, eight-year-old Grace, 12-year-old Beau, and 13-year-old Austin – were enjoying what was intended to be a final beach outing before returning to their home in Gidgegannup, a suburb of Perth, following a stay at a beachfront resort. Conditions appeared favorable on the morning of the incident, with sunny skies and a warm temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. The family rented two inflatable stand-up paddleboards and a small kayak from their hotel, planning to spend approximately an hour on the water.
Initially, the family enjoyed calm conditions in the shallows. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated as the wind picked up. The first sign of trouble came when Austin lost his oar. Shortly after, Joanne’s paddleboard flipped, and when Beau attempted to assist with the kayak, Joanne’s oar was also lost, leaving the family adrift and increasingly vulnerable.
According to Joanne Appelbee, she initially attempted to tow the paddleboards and her younger children, but as the kayak filled with water, she made the difficult decision to send Austin to shore to seek help. In the beginning, it was, ‘We’re going to be fine and Austin is going to make it back,’
she told Australia’s ABC News. As time went on, I was like, ‘Why haven’t I seen anyone come?’
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Austin initially attempted to paddle back to shore with the kayak, but it continued to take on water, forcing him to abandon it and swim the remaining distance – roughly two nautical miles, or four kilometers – alone. He faced choppy seas and the physical and mental strain of a prolonged swim without a life jacket. He recounted focusing on positive thoughts, including his family, friends, and his favorite character from the children’s television show, Thomas the Tank Engine, to maintain his resolve.
I was just thinking in my head, like, thinking I was going to make it through. But I was also thinking about all my friends at school,
Austin said in an interview with ABC Australia. He described a determined internal monologue: I just said, ‘Not today, not today, not today. I have to keep on going.’
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After finally reaching the shore, Austin had to run another mile down the beach to reach his family’s phone and call emergency services. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority dispatched a rescue boat, which subsequently located and assisted the rest of the Appelbee family. Footage released by the Authority shows the rescue operation unfolding.
Austin’s remarkable feat of endurance and quick thinking has drawn widespread praise. He first learned to swim at the age of four, a skill that proved crucial in this life-threatening situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of coastal waters, even in seemingly calm conditions, and the importance of preparedness and vigilance. The rapid change in weather conditions, from calm seas to challenging waves, underscores the need for caution when engaging in water activities.
The Appelbee family’s experience also highlights the critical role of young people in emergency situations. Austin’s courage and determination not only saved his mother and siblings but have also inspired others with his selfless act. The story has resonated internationally, with media outlets around the world reporting on his bravery. The incident occurred along Geographe Bay, a popular tourist destination known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere, adding to the shock and highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sea.
While the family had been wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, the distance Austin had to swim without one underscores the severity of the situation and the extraordinary nature of his accomplishment. Authorities have not released details regarding any investigation into the incident, but the story is likely to prompt renewed discussions about water safety protocols and emergency preparedness in coastal areas.
