THE BOY WHO BEAT THE OCEAN: 13-Year-Old Austin Appelbee Named National Hero After “Superhuman” Rescue
QUINDALUP, WA – In a week that has gripped the heart of Western Australia, the story of 13-year-old Austin Appelbee has evolved from a terrifying maritime emergency into a national symbol of resilience. Following a miraculous four-hour swim to save his family, Premier Roger Cook has issued a moving tribute to the teenager, as calls grow for Austin to be officially named Young Australian of the Year 2026.
The Premier’s letter, written with the raw emotion of a father rather than a politician, has been shared thousands of times across social media. Cook’s words struck a chord with a public still reeling from the details of the rescue: “Courage isn’t the absence of fear,” the Premier wrote. “It’s finding the strength to keep going when fear surrounds you.”
The Decision No Mother Should Make
The nightmare began on a Friday afternoon near Quindalup, 250km south of Perth. What was supposed to be a calm family holiday turned into a fight for survival when Joanne Appelbee (47), Austin, and his younger siblings—Beau (12) and Grace (8)—were caught in a sudden shift of offshore winds while paddleboarding and kayaking.
As the shoreline began to disappear and the family drifted nearly 14 kilometers out into the open ocean, Joanne faced an impossible choice. Fearing they would not be found before nightfall, she looked to her eldest son.
“I had to say to him, ‘Try and get to shore and get help.’ It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I honestly thought I might never see him again.”
Four Hours in the Abyss
Austin initially set off on an inflatable kayak, but the vessel quickly began taking on water in the heavy swells. In a decision that experts have since called “superhuman,” Austin abandoned the sinking kayak and entered the water. Two hours into his swim, realizing his life jacket was dragging him down and impeding his stroke, he ditched the safety vest to gain speed.
For four hours, the 13-year-old battled massive waves and freezing temperatures. He later told reporters he used “survival backstroke” and sang hymns and school songs to keep his mind from focusing on the sharks and the dark depths beneath him.
“I just kept thinking: just keep swimming, just keep swimming,” Austin recalled. “I told myself, ‘Not today. I have to get home.’”
The Race Against Time
Austin finally struck sand as the sun began to set. Exhausted and near collapse, he didn’t stop. He sprinted over a mile to find his family’s accommodation, located his mother’s phone, and called 000. His calm, detailed description of the family’s location and the color of their gear allowed the RAC Rescue helicopter and Water Police to pinpoint the drifting family within an hour.
By 8:30 PM, Joanne, Beau, and Grace were pulled from the water. They were suffering from severe shivering, and Beau had lost sensation in his legs due to the onset of hypothermia.
A Symbol of Resilience
The aftermath of the rescue has seen a surge of national pride. Premier Roger Cook’s invitation for the Appelbee family to meet him in person is seen as the first step toward a formal recognition of Austin’s bravery.
“Austin’s bravery is beyond his years,” the Premier stated. “He is what a true West Aussie hero looks like.”
As the nomination period for the Young Australian of the Year 2026 approaches, the sentiment across the country is unanimous: Austin Appelbee didn’t just save three lives; he reminded a nation of the power of the human spirit.
Would you like me to draft a formal nomination letter for the Young Australian of the Year awards based on these events?
Western Australia’s 13-year-old hero Austin Appelbee’s 4km swim to save family
This video features a news report on Austin Appelbee’s heroic 4km swim to rescue his family after they were swept out to sea in Western Australia.
Monaghan mother ‘amazed’ at son’s bravery in sea rescue – YouTube
RTÉ News · 17K views
