SEA SAVER
Teen, 13, who saved Irish mum & siblings stranded at sea by swimming 4hrs is hailed for ‘immense courage’ at Dail visit
AN Australian boy who saved his stranded family by swimming four hours in the sea to get help was applauded as he visited the Dail today.
Austin Applebee, 13, and his family were on holiday in Quindalup in Australia in January when strong winds pushed their paddleboard and kayak out to sea.
Austin, his two younger siblings, and his mother, Joanne, who is originally from Co Monaghan, were stuck four kilometres out at sea with no way to raise the alarm.
Mum Joanne said it was the hardest decision of her life when she asked her oldest son Austin to try to paddle back to shore on his own.
The youngster initially set out on a kayak but had to ditch it when it took on too much water.
He then swam for four hours before he miraculously made it back to shore to raise the alarm to save his family.
The youngster visited Dail Eireann today with his Irish mother and met with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris.
The Australian boy’s visit to the Dail gallery was announced by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy with all TDs in the House giving him a round of applause.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik told the Dail: “Austin, you inspired us all with your immense courage. Well done.”
Taoiseach Martin praised the youngster for his bravery in a meeting in his office earlier in the day
Tanaiste Simon Harris gave Austin a gift of a Monaghan jersey which was signed by Fine Gael’s cabinet members.
Source: The Sun
