‘Still shocked’: Heroic Austin Appelbee reunites with rescuers after epic 4km swim
A teenage boy who swam 4 kilometers through shark-infested waters in south-west Western Australia to save his family who were swept out to sea has been reunited with the rescuers who helped him save his family.
Austin Appelbee, 13, along with his mother, Joanne, and two siblings, Beau and Grace, were swept out to sea while on holiday in Quindalup on January 30.
The family were in canoes and paddleboards they had rented from the Dunsborough Hotel but were unable to reach shore when the wind blew them out to sea.
The young man swam 4 kilometers alone through shark-infested waters and returned to the shore, then ran another 2 kilometers to the hotel to call triple-0.
His actions led to the rescue of the mother and her two children, who were adrift in the water for nearly 10 hours and drifted 14 kilometers into the Indian Ocean.
On Saturday, the 13-year-old boy and his family returned to the state’s South West to reunite with rescuers – Naturaliste Sea Rescue volunteers, paramedics and police – who helped rescue the stranded family.
The teenager, who had long denied being a hero, said he was proud that his mother and siblings were able to survive alone in the water for so long.
“Thank you for saving my family,” he told rescuers, according to ABC.
“Actually, all I did was raise the alarm.”
Little brother Beau said he was very emotional as he returned to the scene where they were thrown into the water.
“I’m still surprised they could see us,” he said.
“I’m so thankful I’m still here. I’m thankful my brother and sister keep me calm.”
Beau said he and his mother, Joanne, are still facing challenges weeks after the ordeal.
“My mother and I cannot sleep properly,” he said.
“I’m trying to fix this, but it’s hard. There are no words to express how happy I am to be here today.”
