Boy swims for four hours to save family swept out to sea

04 February,2026 09:31 AM IST |  Sydney  |  Agencies

A 13-year-old boy swam for nearly four hours to shore after his family was swept out to sea in Geographe Bay while kayaking and paddleboarding. After his kayak capsized, the boy continued swimming and alerted authorities, enabling marine rescue teams to locate and save his family 14 km offshore

Austin Appelbee.


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A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appelbee, swam 4 km to shore after his family was swept out to sea in Geographe Bay while kayaking and paddleboarding.

Austin attempted to kayak back for help but swam when his kayak capsized, taking approximately four hours to reach land.

The family was rescued 14 km offshore by marine rescue volunteers after the boy provided a detailed description of their equipment.

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