Australian Boy Saves Family at Sea

A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appelbee, saved his mother, Joanne Appelbee, and younger siblings, Beau Appelbee and Grace Appelbee, after they were swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia. The family, from Australia — Perth, was on vacation in Quindalup when strong winds and rough seas dragged their kayaks and paddleboards offshore. Austin Appelbee initially tried to paddle back but abandoned his kayak when it took on water. He then removed his life jacket to swim more efficiently, battling waves for four hours to reach shore. Upon reaching land, he collapsed from exhaustion but then ran two kilometers to find a phone and alert authorities at 6 pm. Australia launched a multi-agency search and rescue operation, involving the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group. Around 8:30 pm, Joanne Appelbee, Beau Appelbee, and Grace Appelbee were found clinging to a paddleboard 14 km offshore, having spent up to 10 hours in the water. All three were wearing life jackets and were safely rescued. Police Inspector James Bradley and Paul Bresland of the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group praised Austin Appelbee's heroic actions.