Police release teen’s emergency call after ocean rescue

Police have released the emergency audio of 13-year-old Austin Appelbee, the Western Australia teenager whose four-hour swim through rough ocean waters helped save his family after they were swept offshore in Geographe Bay.

In the call to Triple Zero, Austin tells dispatchers his mother and siblings remain in the water. “I don't know what their condition is right now and I'm really scared,” he says, adding that he feels “extremely tired” after reaching shore. Austin collapsed shortly after making the call and was taken to hospital. He was later informed that his mother Joanne Appelbee, brother Beau, 12, and sister Grace, eight, had been found alive and well about 14km offshore.

The incident began on 30 January 2026, the family’s last day of the summer holidays. Conditions at Quindalup Beach initially appeared calm before strong winds intensified and the family lost oars, leaving their inflatable paddleboards and kayak drifting out to sea. Joanne Appelbee described sending Austin for help as “one of the hardest decisions” she had ever made, later recalling the fear and doubt that followed as daylight faded and waves grew.

Austin first attempted to paddle back using a damaged kayak that was taking on water. After losing an oar and battling choppy seas, he abandoned the craft and began swimming the remaining 4km to shore. He later said prayer, Christian songs, and thoughts of family and friends helped him endure the exhaustion and fear.

“I was thinking about Mum, Beau and Grace. I was also thinking about my friends and my girlfriend,” Austin told the BBC. “When I hit the floor I thought, how am I on land right now — is this a dream?” He then ran along the beach to retrieve his mother’s phone and placed the emergency call that triggered a multi-agency search.

While Austin struggled ashore, Joanne and the younger children clung to the paddleboards in worsening conditions, facing cold temperatures, darkness, and repeated waves that flipped them into the water. Joanne later described the ordeal as “an absolute nightmare,” fearing at one point that Austin had not survived. "What have I done?" Joanne thought as she waited for rescue with her two other children.

Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group commander Paul Bresland characterized the teenager’s effort as “superhuman.” South West Police Inspector James Bradley said the boy’s actions “cannot be praised highly enough,” crediting his determination and courage with saving lives.

The family was reunited at hospital and treated for minor injuries. Joanne Appelbee expressed both guilt and pride, saying she questioned her decision as they drifted farther offshore but remained “speechless” at her son’s endurance. Austin has since returned to school on crutches due to severe leg soreness.