HERO TEEN’S EMERGENCY CALL RELEASED AFTER EPIC RESCUE SWIM

HERO TEEN’S EMERGENCY CALL RELEASED AFTER EPIC RESCUE SWIM PERTH, Western Australia Australian authorities have released the recording of the emergency Triple-Zero call made by 13-year-old Austin Appelbee after he swam for hours in rough seas to seek help for his stranded family a call now being hailed as calm, courageous and crucial to saving their lives.
In the recording, the young teen speaks with remarkable clarity to the emergency operator, explaining that he had just swum and ran to reach a phone while his mother and two younger siblings remained “kilometres out at sea.”
The family Austin, his 47-year-old mother Joanne Appelbee, 12-year-old brother Beau and 8-year-old sister Grace were on holiday at Quindalup, south of Perth when strong winds and rough ocean conditions swept their kayak and paddleboards far from shore in Geographe Bay. Austin initially tried to paddle back but his kayak took in water. He then swam roughly 4 km (about 2.5 miles) through rough seas a swim taking several hours to reach land.
After collapsing on the beach from exhaustion, he ran roughly 2 km to find his family’s Only then did he dial Triple-Zero (000) to alert emergency service “We couldn’t get back to shore and mum told me to go back to get help.” “I think they’re kilometres out to sea. I think we need a helicopter to go find them.” “I think I need an ambulance because I think I have hypothermia.” Despite fear and exhaustion, he remained composed providing clear details about the situation, which emergency responders and police describe as instrumental to mounting a successful rescue operation.
Western Australia Police praised his ability to stay articulate and level-headed under extreme stress. Acting Sergeant Andrew McDonnell called Austin’s actions “nothing short of extraordinary.”
A search helicopter located the mother and younger siblings clinging to a paddleboard about 14 km offshore.
The rescue involved Police, Marine Rescue volunteers and St John Ambulance crews. All family members were treated at hospital and released, with no life-threatening injuries reported.
Austin’s composure and clarity in the call helped direct rescuers quickly and effectively. His remarkable swim and decision to seek help are being described as critical to the survival of his family.
Calls for recognising his heroism including potential bravery awards have begun following the release of the audio.