The 13-year-old Australian boy who swam for hours to get help for his family after they were swept out to sea has told the BBC 'I didn't think I was a hero - I just did what I did'. Austin Appelbee didn't know if his mother Joanne, brother Beau and sister Grace were still alive when he finally reached the shore, four hours after he left them in the water clinging to two paddleboards.
Miles out to sea off Australia's west coast, the waves were getting bigger as daylight began to fade, causing his mother to fear that Austin too may not have made it. It wasn't until hours later that, after Joanne finally spotted a rescue boat, she learned Austin was safe. By that time, she and the children had drifted 14km (8.5 miles) away from the shore.
The family vacation turned into a 10-hour ordeal as they struggled to stay afloat. I had assumed Austin hadn't made it, Joanne said. However, the ending was thankfully a joyous one, with all family members reported safe but weary.
The incident began as a fun day at the beach when, while using paddleboards, the kids drifted too far. As the wind picked up, the situation rapidly escalated into a crisis. Determined to find help, Austin set off towards the shore with the kayak, which unbeknownst to him was damaged and began to take on water.
After multiple challenges at sea, compromising his own safety, Austin's relentless spirit and sheer will enabled him to reach land, where he called for help, igniting a large search effort by the police.
Rescuers hailed his efforts as 'superhuman,' and local authorities praised his bravery. While Austin sees himself as just a regular boy, many believe he is a hero for the courageous actions he displayed to save his family.
Miles out to sea off Australia's west coast, the waves were getting bigger as daylight began to fade, causing his mother to fear that Austin too may not have made it. It wasn't until hours later that, after Joanne finally spotted a rescue boat, she learned Austin was safe. By that time, she and the children had drifted 14km (8.5 miles) away from the shore.
The family vacation turned into a 10-hour ordeal as they struggled to stay afloat. I had assumed Austin hadn't made it, Joanne said. However, the ending was thankfully a joyous one, with all family members reported safe but weary.
The incident began as a fun day at the beach when, while using paddleboards, the kids drifted too far. As the wind picked up, the situation rapidly escalated into a crisis. Determined to find help, Austin set off towards the shore with the kayak, which unbeknownst to him was damaged and began to take on water.
After multiple challenges at sea, compromising his own safety, Austin's relentless spirit and sheer will enabled him to reach land, where he called for help, igniting a large search effort by the police.
Rescuers hailed his efforts as 'superhuman,' and local authorities praised his bravery. While Austin sees himself as just a regular boy, many believe he is a hero for the courageous actions he displayed to save his family.
