Teen in Australia swims two miles to help family stranded at sea
(CBS, KYMA) - A teenage boy has been hailed a hero after he swam about four kilometers (about two nautical miles) to alert authorities to his mother and two siblings stranded in the water off the coast of Quindalup, Western Australia on January 30.
According to WA Police, the family were kayaking and paddle boarding when they were swept out to sea in "rough conditions."
Authorities were alerted to the incident at about 6:00 p.m. Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) after 13-year-old Austin Applebee left his family behind in the fading light and returned to shore for help.
"He paddled a short distance before his kayak took on water and swam approximately four kilometres (about two nautical miles) before reaching land," WA Police said. "A multi-agency search and rescue response was initiated and coordinated by the Water Police Coordination Centre in North Fremantle, under the oversight of the South West District Office. The response involved officers from Dunsborough and Margaret River Police Stations, with assistance from partner agencies including local volunteer marine sea rescue and the RAC Rescue helicopter."
Applebee's mother, a 47-year-old woman, and his two siblings, a 12-year-old boy and an eight-year-old girl, were found by the rescue helicopter clinging to a paddleboard at about 8:30 p.m (AWST).
Footage shared with Storyful by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) captures the rescue effort.
The trio, who were wearing lifejackets, were assessed by paramedics before being taken to Busselton Health Campus for medical assessment.
WA Police Inspector James Bradley, South West District Office, thanked the emergency first responders and volunteers for their swift response and teamwork in saving the family, and heaped praise on Applebee's bravery.
"This incident is a reminder that ocean conditions can change rapidly. Thankfully, all three people were wearing lifejackets, which contributed to their survival," he said. "The actions of the 13-year-old boy cannot be praised highly enough – his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings."
