Austin Appelbee, 13 Swims Four Hours To Save Family At Sea

Austin Appelbee just proved that not every teenager is only capable of sitting in front of their game console or screen. The 13-year-old from Western Australia is a true action hero, and he put his own life on the line to save his family. Read on for more details.

A Terrifiying Ordeal

Perhaps, one day, a streaming outlet might make the story into a documentary because it’s a tale that perhaps needs telling. Over the weekend near Quindalup, a quiet spot 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Perth, a family expericned a terrifying ordeal. 

The Appelbee family went to the seaside to enjoy a day with kayaks, but it very nearly turned into a tragedy. On paddleboards and kayaks, things were perfect until the conditions changed. Austin, his mom, and his two younger siblings ended up swept out to sea. In no time, they drifted into deeper water with rough waves.

A Heroic Act

Well, per The Independent UK, Austin Applelbee made a decision and decided to try and get back to shore to raise the alarm. However, he struggled with the kayak, so he ditched it and swam, instead. Along the way he felt scared because he thought he “saw something in the water.” Of coure, that particlar piece of ocean is ideal habitat for sharks.

Notably, he swam for four solid hours! Okay, he did have a life jacket on. But, he discarded it as he believed it slowed him up. So, for two hours, he swam with no life saver.

Emergency Services Were Alerted

Fortunately, emergency services responded and Volunteer Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland was floored by the effort. In a statement to the press, he described Austin’s rescue effort as “superhuman.” Plus, Police inspector James Bradley didn’t hold back on heaping his praise on the teen.

It turned out to be a very long day for the family, as the mom and the kids only made it back after 8:30pm. His mom and his siblings aged 11 and 8 were okay, medically cleared, and well enough to talk about it.

An Interview

Chatting with 7 News Australia, Austin simply said that he kept saying in his head, “not today, not today!” 

His mom explained how it got rough, and trying to get back to the beach, “the board flipped, and we lost an oar.” Later, another oar was lost to the sea. The family tried helping each other, including one of the younger brothers, Paul. First, Austin Appelbee tried towing the boards back, but it didn’t work.

That’s when he decided to swim. While they waited for help, his mom seemed terrified, believing that Austin might not have made it back. She also talked about no help in sight in rough weather. Now, she’s so proud of her boy, and claimed that deep inside, “I knew he could do it.”

As for Austin, he also talked about how he felt as if something bad “was gonna happen” that day. Actually, it seems that he might have had some sort of premonition. And, when it happened, he didn’t think he would make it back. So, he tried thinking positive thoughts rather than his potentially scary end.

Viewers React

Many people reacted to the interview. Actually, he seems to be universally hailed as a hero for his bravery.

One viewer commented, “You showed tremendous courage, Austin! May God strengthen and guide you always.”

Here are a few more reactions from the discussion:

• So very Happy you are all survivors.❤ God Bless you Austin. You are a amazing Young Man.
• Great work kid. Hero’s come in all sizes well done.
• God Bless how terrifying!! Such a Brave hearted strong and courageous boy, what an initiation into manhood (albeit unwanted) Thank God for keeping them all safe xx.
• One of the better stories in this mad, mad world. What an absolute champion of a kid; a superhero.

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