French Family Rescued After 16 Hours Adrift on Jet Ski in Thailand

A French family spent more than 16 harrowing hours drifting in the waters off Koh Samui, one of Thailand's most popular tourist islands, after a rented jet ski broke down during what was supposed to be a short pleasure ride. The father, 50, and his two sons aged five and seven were left stranded at sea overnight before being located by rescue teams the following morning.

The father had rented the jet ski at around 17:00 local time on Thursday for a 45-minute ride. Towards the end of the rental period, rough waves struck the vessel and caused the engine to stop, according to local government official Amorn Chomchoey, who spoke to AFP. The family was wearing life jackets throughout the ordeal.

Overnight Search Operation

Rescuers were alerted when the jet ski was not returned at the agreed time. Teams using speedboats and additional jet skis combed the waters surrounding Koh Samui and the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan in search of the trio. However, search efforts had to be suspended overnight due to dangerous sea conditions.

The family was finally located drifting at sea at around 10:00 local time on Friday — more than sixteen hours after the engine failed. Footage of the rescue showed one of the boys perched on the front of the jet ski, which was largely submerged beneath choppy waves. The father could be seen waving at rescuers as he floated nearby. Both were wearing life jackets.

Recovered and Back on Holiday

The father and both sons were described by the official as appearing "pale" and "exhausted after swallowing a lot of seawater." All three were taken to hospital for checks but were discharged shortly afterwards. The boys' mother and older sister had been waiting anxiously on the beach and were reunited with the family once they were brought back to safety. According to local officials, the family has remained in Thailand and continued their holiday following the rescue.