'I don't think I am a hero': Boy, 13, describes 'superhuman' swim to save family

The 13-year-old Australian boy who swam for hours to get help for his family after they were swept out to sea has told the BBC 'I didn't think I was a hero - I just did what I did'.

Austin Appelbee didn't know if his mother Joanne, brother Beau and sister Grace were still alive when he finally reached the shore, four hours after he left them in the water clinging to two paddleboards.

Miles out to sea off Australia's west coast - the waves getting bigger, the light beginning to fade - his mother feared he too may not have made it. Only hours later, after Joanne finally spotted the rescue boat, did she know he was safe. By that time she and the children had drifted 14km (8.5 miles) offshore.

What had started as a family day at the beach had ended in a 10 hour ordeal for Joanne and her family. Austin's swim to raise the alarm was later described as 'superhuman' by rescuers.

In the end though, 'it was an absolute perfect ending to have them all well and happy and sore but no injuries.'

'A tough battle'

The family had been due to head home to Perth last Friday and were having 'a bit of fun' with two paddleboards and a kayak in the shallow water off the beach, when the wind picked up and they lost control, drifting further out. Finding themselves in trouble, Austin's mother realized she needed help and sent Austin back to shore.

Austin faced immense challenges as he paddled back in a damaged kayak, eventually having to swim the last 4km to safety. He kept himself motivated during the arduous swim by thinking of his family and friends.

Upon reaching the beach, Austin called for help, initiating a large search for his family, who were later found safe. The joyous reunification showed the remarkable strength and resilience of this young boy.

Despite the accolades he has received, Austin remains humble, preferring to commend the actions of the emergency response team and downplaying his own contribution.