'I don't think I am a hero': Boy, 13, describes 'superhuman' swim to save family
A 13-year-old Australian boy swam for hours to get help after his family was swept out to sea off Australia’s west coast. Austin Appelbee said he did not think of himself as a hero and explained that he simply did what he felt was necessary.
Austin and his family were enjoying the ocean when strong waves carried them far from shore. His mother, Joanne, and his younger siblings clung to two paddleboards while Austin decided to swim for help. He did not know if his family would survive, but he pushed himself to keep swimming.
After four hours in the water, Austin finally reached the shore. During that time, his family had drifted 14 kilometers offshore. As the sun began to set and the waves grew stronger, his mother feared that Austin might not make it back alive.
Only hours later did Joanne spot a rescue boat approaching her and the children. It was then that she learned her son had safely reached land and raised the alarm. Rescue teams were able to locate and save the rest of the family.
Austin later told reporters that he never thought about being brave or heroic. He said he only focused on helping his family and doing what he believed was the right thing.
Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3ezj3rg3o |
