The 13-year-old Australian boy who swam for hours to get help for his family after they were swept out to sea has told the BBC, I didn't think I was a hero - I just did what I did. Austin Appelbee didn't know if his mother Joanne, brother Beau, and sister Grace were still alive when he finally reached the shore, four hours after he left them clinging to two paddleboards.
Miles out to sea off Australia's west coast - the waves getting bigger, the light beginning to fade - his mother feared he too may not have made it. Only hours later - after Joanne finally spotted the rescue boat in the distance - did she know he was safe. By that time, she and the children had drifted 14km (8.5 miles) offshore.
I had assumed Austin hadn't made it, Joanne, 47, told the BBC News channel. In the end though, it was an absolute perfect ending to have them all well and happy and sore but no injuries. The family had been due to head home to Perth and were having a bit of fun with two paddleboards and a kayak when the children went out a bit too far.
Joanne explained how the wind picked up, and they lost control of the paddles, drifting further out quickly. Early on, we sent this young man back in to try and get help because it didn't look like we were that far from the shoreline, she said. Austin took the damaged kayak, which began taking on water. He ultimately abandoned it, swimming the last 4km as he prayed and kept his spirit up with thoughts of his family.
After making the call for help, Austin passed out but eventually learned that his family had been found safe. Now, less than a week later, Austin is trying to process the experience while recovering physically. Despite the praise he has received from others for his bravery, he humbly believes he just acted out of love and necessity.
Miles out to sea off Australia's west coast - the waves getting bigger, the light beginning to fade - his mother feared he too may not have made it. Only hours later - after Joanne finally spotted the rescue boat in the distance - did she know he was safe. By that time, she and the children had drifted 14km (8.5 miles) offshore.
I had assumed Austin hadn't made it, Joanne, 47, told the BBC News channel. In the end though, it was an absolute perfect ending to have them all well and happy and sore but no injuries. The family had been due to head home to Perth and were having a bit of fun with two paddleboards and a kayak when the children went out a bit too far.
Joanne explained how the wind picked up, and they lost control of the paddles, drifting further out quickly. Early on, we sent this young man back in to try and get help because it didn't look like we were that far from the shoreline, she said. Austin took the damaged kayak, which began taking on water. He ultimately abandoned it, swimming the last 4km as he prayed and kept his spirit up with thoughts of his family.
After making the call for help, Austin passed out but eventually learned that his family had been found safe. Now, less than a week later, Austin is trying to process the experience while recovering physically. Despite the praise he has received from others for his bravery, he humbly believes he just acted out of love and necessity.
