Business
(VIDEO) 13-Year-Old Boy Swims 4km Through Rough Seas to Save Family Stranded Off Western Australia
Quindalup, Western Australia — A 13-year-old boy has been hailed a hero after swimming approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) through choppy, shark-frequented waters for four hours to raise the alarm when his mother and two younger siblings were swept out to sea off Geographe Bay, authorities and family members said.
Austin Appelbee, a Year 9 student from Western Australia, was on a family holiday in Quindalup — about 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Perth — when strong afternoon winds on Friday pushed their inflatable paddleboards and kayak far offshore from the beach near Dunsborough. What began as a leisurely outing quickly turned perilous as the family found themselves stranded more than 4 kilometers from shore with no means of communication or immediate rescue.
Austin’s mother, Joanne Appelbee, 47, asked her son to attempt paddling back to land on his kayak to seek help. But as rough seas battered the vessel, it began taking on water, forcing the teenager to abandon it and enter the ocean. Clinging to determination, Austin swam the remaining distance, initially wearing a life jacket for the first two hours before ditching it to swim more efficiently.
“I just kept swimming,” Austin told ABC News in an interview after the ordeal. “I did breaststroke, freestyle, survival backstroke — whatever worked.” He credited prayer and sheer willpower for getting him through the fading light and cold conditions. “I didn’t know if Mum and the kids were still alive when I reached shore,” he added. “I just did what I had to do.”
Upon reaching land around 6 p.m. local time, exhausted but resolute, Austin ran an additional 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) to the family’s accommodation. Using his mother’s phone, he called emergency services. His detailed description of the family’s last known position enabled rescuers to launch a coordinated search involving marine police, volunteer vessels, and a helicopter.
The effort paid off: Joanne, 12-year-old brother Beau, and 8-year-old sister Grace were located clinging to the paddleboards after spending up to 10 hours in the water. All three were rescued unharmed but suffering from exposure and fatigue. They were treated at a local hospital and released the following day.
South West District Superintendent Paul Bresland described Austin’s actions as “superhuman.” “The boy showed incredible endurance and courage,” Bresland said. “Swimming that distance in those conditions — rough seas, low visibility, potential marine hazards — is an amazing feat for anyone, let alone a 13-year-old.”
Experts weighing in on the incident noted factors that likely aided Austin’s survival. Saltwater buoyancy, a mix of swimming strokes including survival backstroke (which conserves energy), and mental resilience played key roles, according to swimming instructors and survival specialists quoted in The Guardian. The teenager’s decision to remove the life jacket midway — counterintuitive but allowing freer movement — demonstrated practical thinking under pressure.
The family had been enjoying a holiday paddle when sudden wind changes created a swift offshore current. Geographe Bay, known for its scenic beauty and popularity with families, can turn treacherous with shifting weather. Marine authorities have long warned of the risks associated with inflatable craft in open water, especially without tethers or proper safety gear.
Austin’s story quickly spread across social media and news outlets, with many drawing parallels to other tales of youthful heroism. Online comments praised his quick thinking, with some noting ironically that he had reportedly failed a school swimming test just weeks earlier — a reminder that formal assessments don’t capture real-world capability.
The incident has renewed calls for water safety awareness in Western Australia. Surf Life Saving WA and local councils emphasized the importance of life jackets, weather checks, and avoiding inflatables in unprotected areas. “Even calm days can change fast,” a spokesperson said. “This family’s ordeal shows how quickly things can escalate — and how one person’s bravery can make all the difference.”
Austin, speaking modestly to the BBC, downplayed his role. “I don’t think I’m a hero,” he said. “I just did what needed to be done to get help for my family.” His mother expressed profound gratitude, describing the moment rescuers arrived as overwhelming relief after hours of uncertainty.
The Appelbee family is now recovering at home, with Austin returning to school amid newfound local fame. Authorities have launched a WorkSafe investigation into the incident, focusing on equipment and conditions, though no foul play or negligence has been suggested.
In a region where the ocean is both a playground and a peril, Austin’s swim stands as a testament to courage under extreme duress. His actions not only saved his loved ones but reminded the community of the unbreakable bonds that drive people to extraordinary lengths.
As the Appelbees reunite and reflect, their story serves as inspiration — and a cautionary tale — for families enjoying Western Australia’s stunning coastline.
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LOS ANGELES — Justin Bieber’s fashion and lifestyle brand Skylrk has rocketed from a mysterious teaser project into a commercial powerhouse, capped by a record-shattering $5.04 million in merchandise sales during the first weekend of Coachella 2026 alone.
Launched quietly in July 2025 after years of Instagram teases and prototype sightings, Skylrk has quickly distinguished itself from Bieber’s earlier co-founded label Drew House through bolder colors, higher-quality materials and a deeply personal creative direction. Here are 10 essential things to know about the brand that turned “Bieberchella” into a retail phenomenon.
- Skylrk Is Bieber’s Fully Independent Solo Venture Unlike Drew House, which Bieber co-created with stylist Ryan Good in 2018, Skylrk operates as his solo project with full creative control. He reportedly partners with business figures such as Neima Khaila of Pink Dolphin but maintains hands-on involvement in every detail, from design to quality checks. Bieber has publicly distanced himself from Drew House, even posting symbolic content suggesting a clean break to focus on this new chapter.
- The Name Carries Symbolic Meaning “Skylrk” draws inspiration from the skylark, a songbird known for singing while soaring high in the sky. The shortened, stylized spelling also nods to “skylarking,” an old term for frolicking or playing freely. This reflects Bieber’s vision of joyful, unrestricted self-expression through fashion — a theme that resonates with his evolution from teen idol to a more mature, introspective artist and family man.
- Bold Colors and Comfort-First Design Define the Aesthetic Skylrk leans into vibrant, candy-toned palettes — sky blue, Barbie pink, bright red, coral and neon accents — contrasting sharply with the more muted tones of many streetwear lines. Core products emphasize oversized silhouettes, plush textures and everyday comfort: oversized hoodies, zip-up fleece, waffle knits, beanies, molded rubber slides, chunky mules and futuristic sunglasses. Materials often include premium cotton, brushed fleece and YKK zippers, with attention to details like pigment dyeing for a lived-in feel.
- Innovative and Playful Product Features Early standouts include slides with removable, interchangeable soles for custom color combinations and the viral “Sizzler” silicone phone case featuring a joint-shaped holder — a cheeky nod to festival culture. Other items range from sculptural sunglasses priced around $200 to affordable beanies at $40, plus robes, sweatpants, tank tops and even limited basketball-inspired pieces. The brand mixes streetwear swagger with loungewear ease and occasional surrealist touches.
- Hailey Bieber Plays a Key Creative Role Bieber’s wife has been deeply involved, starring in the brand’s first major campaign and co-designing pieces. A Valentine’s 2026 capsule included leather jackets named after her (HB Hooded Leather Jacket and HB Leather Jacket). Hailey has also worn Skylrk pieces publicly and contributed humor-infused designs, such as a “Future Mrs. Bieber” tee, blending the couple’s personal dynamic into the brand’s identity.
- Coachella 2026 Delivered a Historic Merch Breakthrough During weekend one of Coachella, Skylrk generated $5.04 million in sales — more than triple the previous festival record of $1.7 million across both weekends. The brand operated a dedicated shop next to the 9,000- to 10,000-square-foot “Skylrk Oasis” activation, complete with shade, misting stations and immersive visuals. “Swag”-themed and “Bieberchella” drops featured date-specific hoodies, tie-dye graphics, “It’s Not Clocking” thermals and “Biebervelli” pieces that sold out rapidly both on-site and online.
- Bieber Personally Wears and Promotes Every Drop Since at least late 2023, Bieber has been photographed in prototype Skylrk items, using his Instagram as a living lookbook. He continues modeling new releases, sharing updates on fit, safety and improvements. Fans and observers note this authentic involvement sets Skylrk apart from many celebrity fashion lines where the star’s name is merely attached rather than embedded in the creative process.
- Influences Include Yeezy-Era Minimalism With a Bieber Twist Design cues echo late-2010s loungewear and elements from Kanye West’s Yeezy and Fear of God aesthetics, but Skylrk pushes into softer, more playful territory with surreal details and brighter palettes. It feels like an evolution rather than imitation, blending techwear cuts, plush comfort and festival-ready functionality while avoiding heavy logos in favor of subtle or graphic-driven expression.
- Rapid Growth and Cultural Momentum Since the July 2025 launch, Skylrk has expanded through numbered drops, festival activations and limited collaborations (including a recent Shark ChillPill personal fan). Social media following has surged, with significant media impact value generated from Coachella exposure. Resale markets quickly inflate prices for sold-out items, and the brand’s sparse, mysterious early marketing built anticipation that paid off in strong demand.
- It Represents Bieber’s Next Chapter in Business and Identity At 32, with a young family and a career spanning more than 15 years, Bieber positions Skylrk as an extension of his current lifestyle — comfortable, expressive and family-oriented rather than purely nostalgic teen-pop merch. The brand’s success at Coachella, combined with his record $10 million headlining fee, demonstrates how Bieber continues to monetize his cultural relevance while evolving creatively. Future expansions could include more apparel depth, collaborations and potentially international pop-ups.
Skylrk’s meteoric rise highlights the power of authentic artist-driven brands in today’s superfandom economy. While some pieces draw comparisons to past streetwear movements, the brand’s emphasis on quality, personal storytelling and joyful color sets it apart. As weekend two of Coachella continues and online demand remains high, Skylrk appears poised for sustained growth beyond festival season.
Whether fans are drawn to the comfort of oversized hoodies, the novelty of customizable slides or the cultural cachet of wearing something tied directly to Bieber’s daily life, the brand has proven it can deliver both emotional connection and serious commercial results. In an industry crowded with celebrity fashion lines, Skylrk stands out by feeling genuinely personal — a rare quality that may define its long-term staying power.
For those eager to explore the collection, the official Skylrk website continues to offer select Coachella-inspired items and core lineup pieces, though many popular drops sell out quickly. As Bieber balances music, family and this expanding entrepreneurial venture, Skylrk represents more than clothing — it’s a vibrant, soaring expression of where the artist stands today.
David focuses on growth & momentum stocks that are reasonably priced and likely to outperform the market over the long-term. He is a long term investor of quality stocks and uses options for strategy. David told investors to buy in March 2009 at the bottom of the financial crisis. The S&P 500 increased 367% and the Nasdaq increased 685% from 2009 through 2019. He wants to help make people money by investing in high-quality growth stocks.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
The article is for informational purposes only (not a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell stocks). David is not a registered investment adviser. Investors should do their own research or consult a financial adviser to determine what investments are appropriate for their individual situation. This article expresses my opinions, and I cannot guarantee that the information/results will be accurate. Investing in stocks involves risk and could result in losses.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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Jubilant Foodworks and Godrej Industries are borderline names in the midcap stocks list that may get smallcap status in H2 CY26. They have market capitalisations of Rs 30,234 crore and Rs 31,137 crore, respectively.
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Edited excerpts from a chat:
Nifty ended in the green for the second consecutive week. Safe to say we are out of the woods yet and that the index can eye 25k in the week ahead?
We had gone in last week, favouring a push towards 24,400 or more. Friday saw a test of the same and a close not far from the same. Continuation patterns are aplenty, which favour an extension of the uptrend, aiming for 25,600. However, with oscillators overbought, we prefer to start the week on a cautious note, once in the 24,900-25,000 vicinity, before deciding on the 25,600 play. Be warned against a rough week ahead if we do not get to float above 24,900.
Nifty Smallcap 250 index is up 15% in the month so far. If the trajectory continues, then it could be the best month for the index in the last several years. How strong are the odds of a continued bull run in the smallcap world?
We favour a selective approach, as opposed to a broad-based bullish approach among small caps. Breadth remains robust with 50% of stocks near monthly highs, 10% at fresh all‑time highs, 95% above the 20‑DMA and 80% above the 50‑DMA, signalling strong participation across the universe. Importantly, momentum is supportive but not stretched. The average 14‑day RSI near 60, with nearly half the stocks still below that mark, indicates scope for further catch‑up rallies.
Technically, the Nifty Smallcap 250 index has broken out of a downward-sloping wedge and posted a decisive weekly close above the Supertrend at 16,385, confirming a trend reversal after a prolonged consolidation. If the index holds above this zone, 16,900 is a natural near‑term objective, followed by 17,400. However, given the sharp 15% monthly surge, short-term consolidation and stock level rotation are more likely than a straight-line rally. The broader uptrend stays intact above 15,770.
Defence stocks are stealing the limelight once again, with multiple counters recording double-digit gains in the week. What are the charts indicating? Time to book profits off the table or stay on the course?
The Nifty India Defence index has delivered a decisive breakout from a multi‑week consolidation, supported by strong weekly gains and a reclaim of all key short and medium‑term moving averages. Momentum indicators validate the move with RSI holding comfortably above 60 without entering extreme overbought territory, while MACD has turned decisively positive on both daily and weekly timeframes, signalling acceleration rather than fatigue. Nearly 80% of the constituents are trading close to their monthly highs, and all stocks are positioned above their 50 and 100‑day averages, underscoring a well‑entrenched uptrend.
That said, heavyweights such as HAL, BEL, Solar Industries and Mazagon Dock are approaching overbought levels on the daily charts, raising the likelihood of short‑term consolidation or profit booking. Encouragingly, their weekly structures remain constructive. The preferred strategy is to avoid chasing rallies and instead buy on dips to participate in the medium‑term bullish trend.
Gallantt Ispat and Shipping Corp were among the two biggest Nifty 500 gainers in the week. How to trade now?
Despite the sharp gains in recent days, Friday saw profit booking from the top, which explains the long wick. This, along with overbought signals from stochastics as well as RSI, rings caution for Monday’s trade. That said, the narrow range break move is still in its early stage, which encourages us to resort to a buy on dips approach with eyes on 272 as the downside marker.
Give us your top trades for the week.
TI (LTP: 470) | View: Buy | Target: 488 | SL: 459Tilaknagar Industries has shown a strong recovery on the weekly charts, breaking out above the recent consolidation zone with a decisive bullish candle. Prices are trading comfortably above key short and medium‑term moving averages, signalling improving trend strength. Momentum indicators support the move, with RSI holding above the mid 50 zone and gradually trending higher, indicating sustained buying interest without signs of excess. MACD is flattening after a prolonged corrective phase and is attempting a bullish crossover, suggesting a potential momentum expansion ahead.
From a price action perspective, the stock has respected higher supports and reclaimed the 460-470 zone, which now acts as a crucial base. Sustaining above this area keeps the upward bias intact and opens room for a move towards 488 in the near term. Any decisive break below 459 would weaken the setup and warrant a reassessment. Overall, the trend favours a buy‑on‑dips approach.
IGIL (LTP: 373) | View: Buy | Target: 390 | SL: 363
IGIL has delivered a sharp rebound after a prolonged consolidation, marked by a strong bullish weekly candle and a near 10% gain. The stock has decisively moved above its recent range and the supply zone near 360-370, indicating a potential trend reversal. Momentum indicators back the move, with RSI rising close to 60, suggesting improving strength without overstretch, while MACD has turned positive with a fresh bullish crossover, pointing to momentum acceleration.
From a structural perspective, IGIL appears to be forming a base after a lengthy decline, with higher lows taking shape over recent weeks. Sustaining above 370 would keep the bias positive and open the door for an upside move towards 390 in the near term. Any dip towards 363 should be closely watched, as a breach below this level would negate the bullish setup and warrant a reassessment.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund, which is a new entrant in the mutual fund industry, had a total AUM of Rs 15,258 crore in March. Here are the top 10 stock holdings, according to monthly data by Prime Database.
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