‘Still shocked’: Heroic Austin Appelbee reunites with rescuers after epic 4km swim

The young boy who swam 4km through shark-infested waters in Western Australia’s South West to rescue his family, who were swept out to sea, has reunited with the rescuers who helped him rescue his family.

Austin Appelbee, 13, was on holiday in Quindalup with his mother Joanne and two siblings, Beau and Grace, on January 30 when they were swept out to sea.

The family were on kayaks and paddleboards they rented from the Dunsborough hotel when the wind blew them out to sea, unable to reach the shore.

The teenager swam 4km alone through shark-infested waters to return to the shore, then running a further 2km back to the hotel so he could call triple-0.

His actions led to the rescue of the mother and two children, who had been bobbing in the water for about 10 hours and had drifted 14km into the Indian Ocean.

On Saturday, the 13-year-old and his family returned to the state’s South West to reunite with the rescuers – made up of Naturaliste Marine Rescue volunteers, paramedics and police – who helped save the stranded family.

The teenager, who has long denied being a hero, said he was proud of his mum and siblings fort being able to survive alone in the water for so long.

“Thanks for saving my family,” he told the rescuers per the ABC.

“All I really did was raise the alarm.”

Younger sibling Beau said he was overcome with emotion returning to the scene where they were blown into the water.

“I’m still shocked they could see us,” he said.

“I’m so thankful to still be here. I’m thankful for my brother and my sister to keep me calm.’

Beau explained he and his mother Joanne were still facing struggles weeks after the ordeal.

“Mum and I can’t sleep properly,” he said.

“I’m trying to fix that, but it’s hard. (There are) no words to express how happy I am to be here today.”