Austin Appelbee Swims 4 Kilometers to Save Mother and Siblings
Austin Appelbee swam about 4 kilometers in roughly four hours to raise the alarm after his mother and two siblings were swept 14 kilometers offshore.
Overview
Thirteen-year-old Austin Appelbee swam about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) over roughly four hours to shore on Friday to raise the alarm after his family was swept out to sea, police said.
The family drifted about 14 kilometers (9 miles) from Quindalup and spent up to 10 hours in the water before a search helicopter found Joanne Appelbee, 47, and two children at 8:30 p.m., police said.
Police Inspector James Bradley praised Austin's "determination and courage" and officials from Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group commended the family in a Facebook post, officials said.
All four family members were medically assessed and did not require hospital admission, St John WA paramedics said.
Authorities warned that ocean conditions can change rapidly and Police Inspector James Bradley said the incident underscores the importance of lifejackets and checking conditions before coastal recreation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this as neutral human-interest reporting: they stick to a factual timeline, include direct quotes from the boy, mother, and police, and avoid loaded reporter language. Commendatory lines (for example police praise) are source content, not editorial framing; the coverage emphasizes facts and safety details rather than a partisan narrative.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The incident occurred off Quindalup, Western Australia, where the family was swept about 14 kilometers offshore.
History
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