How prayer and faith helped a young boy save his family at sea
Geo Kommatam - January 2026
The faith of a 13-year-old boy named Austin Appelbee is going viral after he survived a dangerous swim through the open sea to save his family.
The incident happened off the coast of Quindalup in Western Australia during a family paddleboarding outing. Strong winds and currents suddenly pushed Austin, his mother Joanne, and his younger siblings far from shore. With no engine or oars and daylight fading, Austin’s mother made a painful decision and asked her eldest son to swim for help.
Austin first tried using a damaged kayak, but when it overturned, he began swimming nearly four kilometres toward land. For almost four hours, he battled strong waves and exhaustion. Halfway through, he removed his life jacket, realising it was slowing him down.
Later, Austin said prayer and faith helped him keep going. He prayed continuously, sang Christian songs, and focused on thoughts of his family. “I don’t think it was me who did it-it was God the whole time,” he said, adding that he promised to get baptised.
When Austin finally reached shore, he collapsed after calling for help. At that moment, he did not know whether his family had survived. Hours later, rescuers found them-cold, exhausted, but safe-after drifting nearly 14 kilometres out at sea.
Austin does not call himself a hero. But his story has become a quiet testimony to how simple faith can give strength in the most frightening moments. (Image Courtsey: Perth Now)
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