Boy swam for hours to save family as emergency call was lifted

Police have released audio of a call between emergency services personnel and a 13-year-old Australian boy. The boy swam for hours to get help for his family after they were swept out to sea in early February.

Austin Appelbee said by phone that his siblings – brother Beau, 12, and sister Grace, 8 – and their mother were still in the water.

“I don’t know what’s going on with them right now and I’m really scared,” he said.

The boy also described feeling “very tired” after the ordeal.

Austin, who collapsed after making the call and was taken to hospital, was told his siblings and mother were found alive and in good condition after being rescued 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) offshore.