By Trendsetter Tribune 
The harrowing story of Austin Appelbee has captured international attention as the 13-year-old is being hailed for his “superhuman” courage. On Friday, January 30, 2026, during a family vacation in Quindalup, Western Australia, a peaceful afternoon of kayaking and paddleboarding turned into a life-threatening struggle when strong offshore winds dragged the family 14 kilometers (9 miles) out to sea.
Faced with an impossible situation, Austin’s mother, Joanne, made the agonizing decision to send her oldest son to shore for help, knowing he was their only hope for survival.
The Battle Against the Ocean
Austin’s journey to shore was a multi-stage feat of physical and mental endurance that lasted nearly four hours.
- Abandoning the Vessel: He initially attempted to paddle an inflatable kayak, but it quickly took on water in the massive waves. Austin abandoned the kayak to continue on foot—or rather, by stroke.
- The High-Stakes Choice: Midway through his 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) swim, Austin realized his life jacket was impeding his movement. In a move rescuers called both “brave” and “dangerous,” he ditched the flotation device to swim unencumbered through the choppy, cold water.
- Mental Strength: To stay calm, Austin sang the “Thomas the Tank Engine” theme song and repeated the mantra, “Just keep swimming,” while thinking of his friends at school.
- The Final Sprint: Upon reaching the shore around 6:00 p.m., Austin didn’t stop. He sprinted another 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) to find a phone and alert emergency services.
A Tense Midnight Rescue
While Austin battled the waves, Joanne (47), Beau (12), and Grace (8) clung to a single paddleboard. They spent a total of 10 hours in the water, singing and joking to keep the children’s spirits up as the sun went down and hypothermia began to set in.
A massive multi-agency search—including the WA Water Police and the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group—was launched based on Austin’s detailed description of the family’s equipment. A rescue helicopter spotted the trio at 8:30 p.m., roughly 9 miles offshore.
“A True West Aussie Hero”
The family was treated at Busselton Health Campus and released over the weekend. On Tuesday, February 3, they met with their rescuers to express their gratitude.
“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.” — Inspector James Bradley, Western Australia Police.
Premier Roger Cook also weighed in on social media, calling Austin a “living legend” and an inspiration to the entire state.