French family rescued after 16 hours stranded on capsized jet ski off Thailand

A French family of three was rescued on Friday morning after spending more than 16 hours stranded in the sea when their rented jet ski capsized off the coast of Koh Samui, a popular resort island in Thailand. The father, aged 50, and his two sons, aged 5 and 7, had rented the jet ski from a local operator on Thursday afternoon. They set off around 5 p.m. local time, but when they failed to return at the agreed time, the operator alerted local authorities and rescuers, prompting a large-scale search operation.

The search involved speedboats and additional jet skis, but was suspended overnight due to darkness. It resumed at first light on Friday. The family was eventually spotted around 10 a.m., clinging to the partially submerged jet ski. Rescue footage showed the jet ski almost completely capsized, with only its triangular front section above water. One boy was sitting on top of the jet ski while his father floated nearby, both wearing life jackets. Rescuers shouted words of encouragement, helped the boy onto a boat, and provided water to the exhausted family.

The father and sons were taken to a local hospital for checks and were discharged shortly afterward. They were described as pale and exhausted after swallowing seawater, but otherwise in good health. The boys' mother and older sister had been waiting on the beach and were reunited with the family, who continued their holiday.

Investigators are looking into why the jet ski capsized after only 15 minutes of operation. The father, who described himself as an experienced jet ski driver, said rough waves had struck the jet ski and caused its engine to stop. However, the jet ski operator told local media that the family appeared to have traveled outside the area specified in the rental agreement. Koh Samui is one of Thailand's most popular family destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year with its calm seas and resorts.