In a harrowing incident off the Western Australian coast, 13-year-old Austin Appelbee made a distressing triple zero call to report his family stranded at sea. Austin had swum approximately 4 kilometers through rough ocean conditions after separating from his family, who had drifted far away while kayaking and paddle boarding. His calm demeanor during the call belied the panic he must have felt as he expressed concern for his family’s safety and condition.

During the phone call, Austin relayed detailed information about the situation to the operator, indicating that they were kilometers out to sea and requesting a helicopter for assistance. He noted that his mother had instructed him to seek help, which he did by bravely leaving his family behind to swim back to shore. Despite the strenuous journey, he was determined and clear-headed, highlighting his maturity in such a frightening situation.

This incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly in watersport activities. The rescue operation that followed Austin's call likely initiated a complex response involving the police and possibly other emergency services, demonstrating the need for constant vigilance and safety measures when engaging in potentially hazardous activities at sea. The local community may also reflect on this event as a reminder of the challenges posed by nature and the resourcefulness exhibited by young individuals in crisis situations.