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Western Australia – Rescue & Survival News
13-Year-Old Boy Saves Mother and Siblings After Drifting 9 Miles at Sea
Teen Swims Four Hours Alone to Get Help Off Australian Coast
📍 Western Australia • 🗓️ January 30, 2026 • 🚨 Breaking Rescue News
MELBOURNE, Australia: A 13-year-old Australian boy is being hailed 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 off the coast of Western Australia.
Austin Appelbee said his family had gone out on a kayak and two inflatable paddleboards planning to stay on the water for about an hour. What began as calm conditions quickly changed as weather worsened, causing their kayak to flip and drift farther from shore.
“I just kept saying, ‘Not today, not today, not today. I have to keep going,’” Austin told Australia’s ABC News, recalling the moment he decided to swim alone to safety.
Courage Beyond His Years
Austin, who learned to swim at age four, said he stayed focused by thinking about his family, friends, and even his favorite Thomas the Tank Engine character. After battling waves, he abandoned the kayak and continued swimming alone until he reached shore.
The remarkable rescue has drawn praise across Australia, with many calling Austin’s bravery nothing short of extraordinary. His quick thinking and determination ultimately saved the lives of his entire family.
This rescue story will be updated as more verified information becomes available.
#AustralianRescue #TeenHero #OceanSurvival #BreakingNews
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