(Web Desk) - A 13-year-old boy displayed extraordinary courage by swimming for four hours in rough seas to save the lives of his mother, younger sister, and brother in Western Australia.
The incident occurred in the Quindalup area, where the family was spending their holidays. Strong winds pushed their small inflatable boat and an air-filled paddle board into deep waters, leaving them stranded at sea.
In a brave attempt to seek help, the boy tried to take the boat back toward the shore, but it capsized, forcing him to swim approximately four kilometres toward land.
Speaking to the media, the boy said he swam continuously for nearly four hours before reaching the shore. He then ran two kilometres to find a phone and alert authorities.
“I used breaststroke, freestyle, and other swimming techniques to reach the shore. After collapsing from exhaustion, I ran to get help,” he said.
The incident took place on January 30, and Western Australia Police received a report at around 6:00pm local time that a family had been swept away at sea. A rescue operation was immediately launched.
At around 8:30pm, a rescue helicopter located the 47-year-old woman, her 12-year-old son, and 8-year-old daughter. A rescue vessel later reached the location and safely brought all three ashore.
Marine Rescue Commander Paul Brisseland said the family was found 14 kilometres from the coast and had endured hours in turbulent sea conditions.
He credited the boy’s bravery for the successful rescue, adding that the teenager swam for two hours wearing a life jacket before removing it and swimming for another two hours to reach the shore.