Quindalup, Australia – A 13-year-old Australian boy, Austin Appelbee, is being hailed for his extraordinary courage and endurance after swimming for four hours to raise the alarm when his family was swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia on . The incident occurred while the Appelbee family were on holiday in Quindalup, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Perth.
Austin, his mother Joanne Appelbee, 47, his brother Beau, 12, and his sister Grace, 8, were enjoying time in the water with an inflatable kayak and paddleboards when strong winds pushed them offshore from Geographe Bay. According to Joanne Appelbee, the situation deteriorated rapidly, with the family losing their paddles and being carried further from the shore.
Initially, Joanne asked Austin to kayak back to shore to seek help. However, the kayak began taking on water, forcing him to abandon the vessel and swim the four kilometers (2.5 miles) back to land. Austin recounted that he initially attempted to use his life jacket, but ultimately removed it after two hours as it impeded his swimming progress.
The swim proved arduous, with Austin facing rough seas and fading light. He described “fighting rough seas” and admitted to being frightened, but maintained a determined focus on reaching the shore. “I just kept thinking, just keep swimming, just keep swimming,” Austin said, recalling his mental fortitude during the ordeal. He ultimately collapsed upon reaching the beach at approximately 6:00 PM local time.
After alerting authorities, a large-scale search and rescue operation was launched. Joanne and her two younger children had been carried approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) out to sea. Joanne Appelbee expressed her initial fear that Austin had not survived, stating, “I thought Austin hadn’t made it.” She later described the relief of seeing the rescue vessel approach, confirming the safety of her children.
The family was eventually rescued and received medical attention for minor injuries. Austin was also treated at a hospital, though he has since been discharged. The rescue was described as a “superhuman” effort by Paul Bresland, Commander of the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group. Inspector James Bradley of the Western Australia Police stated that Austin’s actions “deserve the highest of praise,” highlighting his “determination and bravery” in saving his family.
Despite the accolades, Austin downplayed his heroism, stating, “I don’t consider myself a hero, I just did what I had to do.” He credited the “wonderful ambulance team” and the rapid response of emergency services with the positive outcome.
The incident underscores the potential dangers of coastal conditions and the importance of preparedness when engaging in water activities. While the Appelbee family were equipped with life jackets, the rapid change in weather conditions and the distance from shore quickly created a perilous situation. The family had planned to return to Perth on , but the unexpected turn of events transformed a holiday outing into a harrowing experience.
The rescue operation involved multiple agencies and highlighted the coordinated response capabilities of emergency services in Western Australia. Authorities have not released further details regarding potential safety reviews or recommendations following the incident.
