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 getting bigger, the light beginning to fade - his mother feared he too may not have made it. Only hours later, after Joanne finally spotted the rescue boat, did she know he was safe. By that time, she and the children had drifted 14km (8.5 miles) offshore.
What had started as a family day at the beach had ended in a 10-hour ordeal for Joanne and her family. Austin's swim to raise the alarm was later described as superhuman by rescuers. I had assumed Austin hadn't made it, Joanne, 47, told the BBC News channel. In the end, it was an absolute perfect ending to have them all well and happy and sore but no injuries.
The family had been having a bit of fun with two paddleboards and a kayak in the shallow water off the beach, but the wind picked up and they drifted out further. Early on, they sent Austin back in to get help, but the kayak he used was badly damaged and started to sink, leading him to paddle with his arms instead. After losing sight of his family, he faced the daunting task of swimming almost 4km (two nautical miles) to reach land, motivated by thoughts of his mother and siblings.
After reaching the beach, he called for help and sparked a large rescue operation, which ultimately saved all family members. Now back at school on crutches due to sore legs, Austin’s incredible actions were met with praise from the local rescue teams who hailed his determination and courage. His actions cannot be praised highly enough, said Insp James Bradley, reinforcing the impact of this young boy's bravery.
Miles out to sea off Australia's west coast - the waves getting bigger, the light beginning to fade - his mother feared he too may not have made it. Only hours later, after Joanne finally spotted the rescue boat, did she know he was safe. By that time, she and the children had drifted 14km (8.5 miles) offshore.
What had started as a family day at the beach had ended in a 10-hour ordeal for Joanne and her family. Austin's swim to raise the alarm was later described as superhuman by rescuers. I had assumed Austin hadn't made it, Joanne, 47, told the BBC News channel. In the end, it was an absolute perfect ending to have them all well and happy and sore but no injuries.
The family had been having a bit of fun with two paddleboards and a kayak in the shallow water off the beach, but the wind picked up and they drifted out further. Early on, they sent Austin back in to get help, but the kayak he used was badly damaged and started to sink, leading him to paddle with his arms instead. After losing sight of his family, he faced the daunting task of swimming almost 4km (two nautical miles) to reach land, motivated by thoughts of his mother and siblings.
After reaching the beach, he called for help and sparked a large rescue operation, which ultimately saved all family members. Now back at school on crutches due to sore legs, Austin’s incredible actions were met with praise from the local rescue teams who hailed his determination and courage. His actions cannot be praised highly enough, said Insp James Bradley, reinforcing the impact of this young boy's bravery.
