Irish Mom’s Son, 4-Hour Swim, Saves Family in Australia

A 13-year-old boy is being credited with saving the lives of his mother and two younger siblings after they were swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia. Austin Appelbee swam for four hours, covering 4km (2.5 miles) to shore, to raise the alarm after the family got into difficulties on Friday.

Family Swept Out to Sea

Austin Appelbee, his mother Joanne Appelbee (47), originally from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, brother Beau (12) and sister Grace (8) were using kayaks and paddle boards hired from their hotel around noon when rough ocean and wind conditions began to pull them out to sea, police said.

Boy’s Courageous Swim

Austin initially attempted to reach help on an inflatable kayak, but abandoned it when it began taking on water. He then removed his life jacket, finding it impeded his swimming, and began his swim to shore.

“The waves are large and I have no life jacket on. I just kept thinking, ‘Just keep swimming, just keep swimming’,” Austin said on Tuesday. “And then I finally made it to shore and I hit the bottom of the beach and I just collapsed.”

Rescue Operation

A search helicopter located Joanne Appelbee and her two children wearing life jackets and clinging to a paddle board at 8:30 p.m. They had drifted 14km (8.7 miles) from Quindalup after spending up to 10 hours in the water.

Police Inspector James Bradley praised Austin’s actions, stating, “The actions of the 13-year-old boy cannot be praised highly enough – his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.”

Mother’s Account

Joanne Appelbee told RTÉ’s Six One News she sent her oldest child for help because she could not leave the three children unattended. She described the decision as “one of the hardest” she ever had to make.

“I did not expect it to be ‘such a long and drawn-out process’ but that ‘we are all here to tell the tale, so that is the main thing,’” she said.

Appelbee expressed amazement at her son’s bravery, adding, “I knew he could do it, he’s that kind of child.” She described the experience as “nothing short of a miracle.”

The family had no food or water and faced high waves, singing songs, including one about Moana, to keep their spirits up. Appelbee said seeing the rescue team was the “most fantastic feeling.”

Family Support

Doreen Cunningham, the children’s grandmother from Carrickmacross, spoke of her pride in Austin, his siblings, and their mother. She said she hadn’t slept since Joanne was discharged from the hospital.

Cunningham recounted that Austin initially tried paddling with his hands but was pushed back by the waves. He then began swimming, first partially removing and then fully removing his life jacket to improve his speed.

“I’m so proud of them all,” Cunningham said. She plans to visit the family in Australia soon.

Aftermath and Concerns

Following medical assessment, the family was discharged and attended an Ed Sheeran concert, with hospital staff arranging VIP tickets as a special treat.

Joanne Appelbee has lived in Australia for 22 years with her three children and husband Justin. Cunningham hopes the family’s experience will serve as a warning against using similar crafts without adequate safety measures, suggesting they should have an emergency alarm system.