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Western Australia – Sea Rescue News
13-Year-Old Boy Swims Four Hours to Save His Family
Family Drifted Nine Miles Offshore in Sudden Weather Change
📍 Western Australia • 🗓️ January 30, 2026 • 🚨 Breaking Rescue News
MELBOURNE, Australia: A 13-year-old Australian boy is being praised as a hero after swimming alone for nearly four hours without a life jacket to save his mother and two younger siblings, who were stranded at sea after drifting nearly nine miles offshore.
The family had taken a kayak and two inflatable stand-up paddleboards into the ocean, planning to stay out for about an hour. Initially, conditions were calm, but the weather suddenly shifted, flipping the kayak and pushing the family farther away from shore.
Austin Appelbee, who learned to swim at the age of four, made the brave decision to leave the damaged kayak behind and swim on his own toward shore while fighting waves and strong currents.
“I just kept saying, ‘Not today, not today. I have to keep going,’” Austin told Australia’s ABC News. He said he stayed focused by thinking about his family, friends, and happy memories to keep himself moving forward.
Eventually, Austin reached shore and alerted authorities, leading to the successful rescue of his mother and siblings. Officials praised his courage, determination, and remarkable mental strength during the life-threatening ordeal.
This breaking news article will be updated as more verified information becomes available.
#WesternAustralia #SeaRescue #TeenHero #BreakingNews
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