Australian teen swims 2.5 miles for hours to save family swept out to sea
A 13-year-old Australian boy is being hailed as a hero after swimming more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) through rough ocean waters for nearly four hours to save his family after they were swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia.
Austin Appelbee, visiting the coastal area near Quindalup with his family from Perth, made the life-or-death decision after strong winds and powerful waves carried them far from shore while they were using rented kayaks and paddleboards.
A Desperate Decision in Dangerous Waters
As conditions worsened, Austin attempted to paddle for help on an inflatable kayak, but abandoned it when it began filling with water. Realizing there was no other option, the teenager removed his life jacket so it wouldn’t slow him down and began swimming alone toward shore.
“The waves were massive, and I had no life jacket on,” Austin later recalled. “I just kept telling myself, ‘Keep swimming, keep swimming.’ When I finally reached the beach, I collapsed.”
After nearly four hours in the water, Austin made it safely to shore and alerted authorities, triggering a rescue operation.
Family Found After Drifting for Hours
A police helicopter later located Joanne Appelbee, 47, along with Austin’s younger siblings — Beau, 12, and Grace, 8 — clinging to a paddleboard while wearing life jackets. The family had drifted nearly nine miles (14 kilometers) from shore and spent up to 10 hours at sea, according to police.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, all three were rescued alive.
Police Praise “Extraordinary Courage”
Western Australia Police praised Austin’s bravery, crediting his actions with saving his family’s lives.
“The determination and courage shown by this 13-year-old cannot be praised highly enough,” said Police Inspector James Bradley. “His actions ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.”
A Mother’s Impossible Choice
Joanne Appelbee said asking her eldest son to swim for help was the hardest decision she has ever made.
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was tell Austin to try to reach shore and get help,” she told ABC Australia. “As night fell and no help had arrived, fear really set in — but we tried to stay hopeful.”
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly conditions can change at sea — and of the extraordinary courage shown by one young boy when his family needed him most.