Australian Teen Swims for Hours to Rescue Family Swept Out to Sea

A 13-year-old boy demonstrated remarkable endurance and presence of mind after his family was swept out to sea while on holiday along the southwestern coast of Australia. The incident occurred near Quindalup, a popular coastal region south of Perth, when the family encountered sudden strong winds while using rented kayaks and paddleboards.

According to local authorities, the family was enjoying recreational activities on the water when changing weather conditions caused them to drift far from the shoreline. As the situation became increasingly perilous, the boy, Austin Applebee, embarked on a determined effort to reach safety and raise the alarm for his mother and two younger siblings, who remained stranded at sea.

Applebee initially set off in an inflatable kayak that began to take on water. Realizing the craft was no longer viable, he entered the water and began swimming toward the shore. For approximately the first two hours, he wore a life jacket, but subsequently removed it, believing it was impeding his progress amid challenging waves and currents. Over the course of about four hours, he covered a distance of roughly four kilometers, battling rough sea conditions throughout the journey.

Upon reaching land, the teenager quickly sought assistance and contacted local authorities, providing critical details about his family's predicament and the equipment they used. Emergency services promptly launched a search and rescue operation, deploying a helicopter to scour the area where the family was last seen. After an extensive search, the mother and two children, aged 12 and 8, were located clinging to a paddleboard approximately 14 kilometers offshore, having endured nearly ten hours at sea before being rescued.

Medical teams assessed all family members upon their return to shore. The teenager was initially unaware of the rescue's outcome, as he had collapsed from exhaustion after alerting authorities and was transported to a medical facility for evaluation. Health professionals noted the physical toll of the swim, likening the effort to completing two marathon runs. He was provided with crutches to aid his recovery.

The boy's mother expressed that instructing her eldest son to swim for help was one of the most difficult decisions she had ever faced, as she remained with her younger children while awaiting rescue. Authorities emphasized that the adolescent's swift actions, determination, and resilience were instrumental in ensuring the survival of his family members. The police commended his bravery, stating that his efforts directly contributed to the successful outcome of the rescue operation.

Public officials in Western Australia also acknowledged the teenager's actions, highlighting the importance of water safety and preparedness during recreational activities along the coast. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of coastal environments and the need for vigilance and proper safety measures when participating in water-based activities.

All family members are reported to be safe and recovering after the harrowing experience. The event has drawn attention to the significance of emergency preparedness and the critical role of timely action during maritime emergencies.