Austin Appelbee, 13, who survived dangerous waters to alert authorities about his mother and two siblings, leading to their rescuer, has attributed his heroic action to the power of God.
The prodigy boy, his mother Joanne, and siblings Beau, 12, and Grace, 8, were trapped in Geographe Bay, off Western Australia, due to violent winds.
“It was God the whole time”
Determined to save his family, the young star swam and ran for long hours to seek help for his family, who were in great danger.
Speaking to 7News Australia and other media, Appelbee said, “I don’t think it was me who did it. It was God the whole time,” suggesting that it was God who assisted him throughout the ordeal.
Brother Beau, mother Joanne, Sister Grace and Austin after the rescue. Credit: The Archbishop of Banterbury
The boy had reportedly failed a school swimming test. Little wonder, he attributed surviving swimming at deep sea to a “supernatural” source of strength which seemed indescribable.
For him, it was faith, prayer and God that prompted him to sing Christian songs throughout the ordeal, to the point that he even promised he would get baptised if he and his family survived.
The risk, rescue, and outcome
The teen initiated the rescue effortafter their inflatable kayak took on water by leaving his family to swim for help, battling exhaustion and high seas.
Through massive waves and freezing temperatures, he eventually abandoned his damaged kayak and life jacket to swim faster for about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) and ran for 2km.
On reaching the beach, the brave boy reportedly collapsed, but he summoned the courage to run for another two kilometres to get a phone; a call that elicited a search and rescue operation.
That way, the authorities were able to use a rescue helicopter to locate his family, who were found alive 14 kilometres (8.5 miles) offshore after spending 10 hours at sea.
Royal recognition, accolades
It was in the news that King Charles III has officially honoured Appelbee for his extraordinary courage in the face of danger.
From Geographe Bay, Western Australia, to the halls of Buckingham Palace, the teen is treated in royal circles “as a living symbol of Commonwealth courage.”
His Majesty, King Charles III Monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms, receives Austin Appelbee at Buckingham Palace. Credit: https://royal.tarotdenadiamartin.com/?p=1505
Following the gallant act, Appelbee has become a sensation on social media, receiving accolades for defying dangerous shark-infested waters off the coast of Western Australia by swimming to save his mother and siblings.
Commentators think that for a long time, this teen’s gallantry and miraculous rescue would remain a reference point for resilience, being there for family members when it matters, and the fact that no one is too young to write their name in the Guinness Book of Records.
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of The West Australian.
