Over the weekend, a 13-year-old boy swam for several hours through rough water after his family was swept out to sea while on vacation in Southwest Australia. Strong winds pushed the family’s inflatable paddleboards and kayak offshore on Friday evening, and the boy’s kayak later took on water. He swam over two miles to shore and alerted authorities.
A multi-agency search and rescue effort was launched involving Naturaliste Marine Rescue, WA Water Police, and a rescue helicopter. Rescuers located the boy’s 47-year-old mother, his 12-year-old brother, and his eight-year-old sister clinging to a paddleboard more than eight miles offshore. Rescue officials say the boy’s detailed description of the equipment helped crews locate the family more quickly.
The three family members were pulled from the water by a volunteer rescue vessel and taken back to shore, where they were assessed by paramedics before being transported to a local hospital. Authorities say all family members were wearing life jackets, which contributed to their survival. The family was later discharged from the hospital and returned to thank the rescue crews who assisted them.
Source: ABC AUSTRALIA
photo: GETTY