Teenager Makes Daring 4-Hour Swim to Save Family Stranded at Sea
A 13-year-old Australian boy's bravery has been hailed after he swam for four hours without a life jacket in order to save his family, who were drifting helplessly at sea.
The drama unfolded on January 30 when Austin Appelbee and his family embarked on a beach trip that took a perilous turn. Initially, the ocean was calm, but the weather suddenly changed, flipping their kayak over and causing it to take on water. With no adult on hand to assist, Austin's mom Joanne decided to send him ahead to paddle to shore for help.
Despite being told initially that "we're going to be fine," Austin soon found himself facing a daunting task. As the hours ticked by with no rescue in sight, he began to feel a sense of desperation creeping in. However, instead of giving up, Austin drew on his love of Thomas the Tank Engine and focused on happy thoughts of his family, friends, and schoolmates.
Undeterred, Austin continued to paddle, fighting waves and eventually deciding to abandon the kayak and swim to shore alone. After a grueling four-hour ordeal, he finally reached dry land and collapsed in exhaustion.
Austin's journey wasn't over yet, however. He had to muster up the energy to run for another mile down the beach to retrieve his family's phone and call emergency services. It was a testament to his determination and bravery that ultimately saved his loved ones.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority responded to the incident and provided camera footage of a rescue boat arriving to aid the Appelbee family. Austin's parents, Joanne and [her partner's name], have been left in awe of their 13-year-old son's heroism, stating "He's absolutely amazing. Me and his dad are super proud."
A 13-year-old Australian boy's bravery has been hailed after he swam for four hours without a life jacket in order to save his family, who were drifting helplessly at sea.
The drama unfolded on January 30 when Austin Appelbee and his family embarked on a beach trip that took a perilous turn. Initially, the ocean was calm, but the weather suddenly changed, flipping their kayak over and causing it to take on water. With no adult on hand to assist, Austin's mom Joanne decided to send him ahead to paddle to shore for help.
Despite being told initially that "we're going to be fine," Austin soon found himself facing a daunting task. As the hours ticked by with no rescue in sight, he began to feel a sense of desperation creeping in. However, instead of giving up, Austin drew on his love of Thomas the Tank Engine and focused on happy thoughts of his family, friends, and schoolmates.
Undeterred, Austin continued to paddle, fighting waves and eventually deciding to abandon the kayak and swim to shore alone. After a grueling four-hour ordeal, he finally reached dry land and collapsed in exhaustion.
Austin's journey wasn't over yet, however. He had to muster up the energy to run for another mile down the beach to retrieve his family's phone and call emergency services. It was a testament to his determination and bravery that ultimately saved his loved ones.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority responded to the incident and provided camera footage of a rescue boat arriving to aid the Appelbee family. Austin's parents, Joanne and [her partner's name], have been left in awe of their 13-year-old son's heroism, stating "He's absolutely amazing. Me and his dad are super proud."
The fact that he was able to stay focused on happy thoughts and push through the exhaustion is truly inspiring.
after reading about this young lad's incredible swim to save his family at sea! Four hours without a life jacket is absolute madness 
, but Austin just kept going with all those happy thoughts from Thomas the Tank Engine 
. I mean, who needs adult supervision when you've got that kind of mental toughness 
? The fact that he swam for four hours and then ran another mile to get his family's phone is just... wow! He's a true hero 
.
I'm seriously in awe of this kid, he's like a total hero dude 
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That little guy is a total rockstar! I mean, four hours without a life jacket? That's insane! But you know what's even crazier? He used Thomas the Tank Engine to keep himself calm and focused 
and what's even more amazing is that he took care of himself after the swim too, no complaints about being exhausted 
. I mean, sure he saved his family and all, but four hours without a life jacket? That's just crazy talk! 
I bet he was shaking like a leaf the whole time, wondering if he'd make it to shore alive. And don't even get me started on how hard it must've been for him to paddle for that long with all those waves and whatnot 
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, but let's be real, who hasn't thought of a train engine when they're in distress? 
. And what about the parents who are basically just sitting there on the beach waiting for someone else to save them? 
Talk about being a good parent! 
4hrs without a life jacket? 
! Four hours without a life jacket? That's insane! I'm talking to you earlier about this same story, but I was saying how crazy it was that he didn't give up. And can we talk about his mental game for a sec? Focusing on happy thoughts of friends and family? It's like he was in a zone or something 
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It's just crazy that they were stuck there for so long. I'm glad Austin was able to stay focused and paddle his way out of it, though 
but seriously tho, thats some serious bravery right there 
what a hero!! #AustinAppelbee #HeroMode #SwimmingForLife
The fact that he didn't give up and just kept pushing through? Absolutely admirable 
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. It's so inspiring seeing him think about happy thoughts of his loved ones