Hero at 13: The teenager who swam 4 kilometers in rough ocean waters to save his family from drowning
Australia's official voluntary sea rescue service. Source: Dreamstime.com
Austin Appelbee, a 13-year-old boy from Australia, swam for four hours in the waters of the Indian Ocean and gave up his own life jacket to reach the shore faster, managing to alert rescuers who recovered his mother and siblings from 14 km away from the coast, according to the BBC.
The incident took place on Friday in the Geographe Bay area of Western Australia. What was supposed to be a relaxing day of kayaking and paddleboarding turned into a critical situation when strong winds pushed the family more than 14 kilometers away from shore.
The teenager's mother, 47, and two younger brothers, aged 8 and 12, were left stranded at sea, clinging to a single paddleboard. The woman made the decision to send her oldest son, Austin, for help. The teenager initially set off by kayak, but the waves filled the craft with water, so he continued his journey by swimming.
He spent the first two hours wearing a life jacket, but realized that the object was hindering his movements. In a gesture of extreme courage, he decided to take off his vest to gain speed and reach shore before dark. After a grueling four-hour effort, he reached Quindalup Beach and immediately alerted the authorities.
Members of Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue (a group of volunteer marine rescuers in the area) were impressed by the strength shown by the whole family.
“Their courage and bravery was extraordinary, especially that of the young man who swam four kilometers to raise the alarm,” they said. The organization's commander, Paul Bresland, described Austin's effort as “superhuman.” He explained to ABC News that the boy spent the first two hours in a life jacket.
“However, the brave teenager decided that this was not going to work, so he gave up and swam for the next two hours without a vest,” added Bresland.
Austin raised the alarm at 6pm on Friday, sparking a massive search. His mother and two brothers were located by a helicopter only at 20:30. They were 14 kilometers from shore and were clinging to a single paddleboard.
“A volunteer rescue vessel immediately proceeded to their location. All three were successfully recovered and brought to shore safely,” a statement issued by the Western Australian Police said.
After reaching the shore, the paramedics examined all the family members. They were taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment, but were allowed to go home a short time later.
Inspector James Bradley, of the Western Australian State Police, said the incident served as an important reminder of how quickly ocean conditions can change.
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
