The call triggered an immediate large-scale rescue operation. Marine Rescue crews, police, and a rescue helicopter were dispatched. The helicopter crew located the remaining family members clinging desperately to the paddleboard about 14 kilometers offshore after more than eight hours adrift. Joanne, Beau, and Grace were cold, exhausted, and suffering from hypothermia but alive. They were winched aboard and flown safely back to shore shortly after 8:30 p.m.
Austin was found soon afterward by beachgoers who had heard the emergency calls and rushed to help. Paramedics treated him for severe exhaustion, hypothermia, and dehydration. All four family members were taken to Bunbury Regional Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia and fatigue. Doctors confirmed that while the family was in a serious but stable condition due to prolonged exposure to cold water, they were expected to make a full recovery. “They’re all going to be okay, and that’s because of Austin,” a hospital spokesperson said. “His determination saved their lives.”
The story broke across Australian media the following morning and quickly spread worldwide. Headlines called Austin a “real-life hero,” a “13-year-old legend,” and “Australia’s youngest lifesaver.” Social media overflowed with praise, with thousands sharing clips of his interviews and messages of admiration. “This boy is incredible,” one viral comment read. “At 13 he did what most adults couldn’t.” Donations poured in for the family, and offers of support—from free holidays to school scholarships—came from across the country.
Marine Rescue Western Australia praised Austin’s “remarkable courage, resilience, and determination,” describing his effort as “one of the most extraordinary acts of bravery we have seen.” They used the incident to issue renewed warnings about offshore winds, reminding beachgoers to always wear life jackets, stay within sight of shore, and monitor weather conditions.
Joanne Appelbee, speaking from hospital, was emotional but proud. “I’m speechless, but not surprised,” she said. “Austin has always been strong, kind, and brave. He didn’t think twice—he just acted to save us. We’re all going to be fine because of him.”
Austin himself remained humble. In interviews, he shrugged off the “hero” label. “I was scared the whole time,” he admitted. “I just kept thinking about Mum and Beau and Grace. I had to get help.” When asked what kept him going during the swim, he smiled faintly: “Family. And I didn’t want to let them down.”
The Appelbee family’s ordeal has become a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of the ocean and the extraordinary capacity for courage in young people. As they recover—slowly but surely—in hospital, the nation continues to celebrate the boy who swam through hell to bring his family home.
Austin Appelbee may be only 13, but his actions have etched his name into Australia’s collective memory as a symbol of selflessness, strength, and love. In a world often filled with cynicism, his story has reminded everyone that true heroes are not always adults in capes—they can be ordinary kids who refuse to give up on the people they love.
