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Thursday, Feb 12, 2026
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Emergency Call Reveals Australian Teen’s Composure After Swimming Four Kilometres to Save Family
Recording captures thirteen-year-old Austin Appelbee calmly requesting helicopter rescue after family was swept out to sea off Western Australia
Australian authorities have released the emergency call made by thirteen-year-old Austin Appelbee after he swam several kilometres through rough ocean conditions to seek help for his mother and two siblings who had been swept out to sea.
The family had been paddleboarding and kayaking off the coast of Quindalup in Western Australia on January 30 when strong conditions carried them far from shore.
After realising they could not return to land, Austin’s mother instructed him to head back alone to raise the alarm.
Austin initially attempted to paddle toward shore in his kayak but abandoned it when it began taking on water.
He then swam approximately four kilometres to the beach before running an additional two kilometres to find a phone.
In the recording released by the Western Australia Police Force, the teenager can be heard calmly identifying himself and providing clear details about the emergency.
“Hello, my name is Austin… I have two siblings, Beau and Grace.
Beau is twelve and Grace is eight,” he told the operator.
He explained that they had been taken out to sea and were unable to return, adding that he believed they were several kilometres offshore.
“I think we need a helicopter to go find them,” he said.
“I don’t know what their condition is right now, and I’m really scared.”
Despite his exhaustion, Austin also requested medical assistance for himself, telling the operator he feared he was suffering from hypothermia.
He reported feeling extremely tired and close to collapse.
Emergency services launched a coordinated search operation, including aerial support.
Austin’s mother, Joanne Appelbee, forty-seven, and his siblings were later located clinging to a paddleboard and brought safely to shore.
Police described the situation as critical, noting that the family had been in the water for an extended period and daylight was fading.
Acting Sergeant Andrew McDonnell said the teenager’s actions were pivotal to the rescue effort, calling his composure under pressure extraordinary.
Authorities praised Austin’s clarity and presence of mind during the call, stating that his calm communication greatly assisted first responders in mounting a swift and successful operation.
The family had been paddleboarding and kayaking off the coast of Quindalup in Western Australia on January 30 when strong conditions carried them far from shore.
After realising they could not return to land, Austin’s mother instructed him to head back alone to raise the alarm.
Austin initially attempted to paddle toward shore in his kayak but abandoned it when it began taking on water.
He then swam approximately four kilometres to the beach before running an additional two kilometres to find a phone.
In the recording released by the Western Australia Police Force, the teenager can be heard calmly identifying himself and providing clear details about the emergency.
“Hello, my name is Austin… I have two siblings, Beau and Grace.
Beau is twelve and Grace is eight,” he told the operator.
He explained that they had been taken out to sea and were unable to return, adding that he believed they were several kilometres offshore.
“I think we need a helicopter to go find them,” he said.
“I don’t know what their condition is right now, and I’m really scared.”
Despite his exhaustion, Austin also requested medical assistance for himself, telling the operator he feared he was suffering from hypothermia.
He reported feeling extremely tired and close to collapse.
Emergency services launched a coordinated search operation, including aerial support.
Austin’s mother, Joanne Appelbee, forty-seven, and his siblings were later located clinging to a paddleboard and brought safely to shore.
Police described the situation as critical, noting that the family had been in the water for an extended period and daylight was fading.
Acting Sergeant Andrew McDonnell said the teenager’s actions were pivotal to the rescue effort, calling his composure under pressure extraordinary.
Authorities praised Austin’s clarity and presence of mind during the call, stating that his calm communication greatly assisted first responders in mounting a swift and successful operation.
