French Father and Sons Rescued After 16-Hour Drift Following Jet Ski Capsize Off Koh Samui

A family of three from France was rescued after drifting at sea for over 16 hours when their jet ski capsized off the coast of Thailand's Koh Samui.

According to AFP, on the 15th, official Amorn stated that the parent is a 50-year-old father who was playing in the water with his 5- and 7-year-old sons. They were rescued and sent to the hospital for examination but were discharged soon after. “When we found them, they had swallowed a lot of seawater and were exhausted.”

The father rented a jet ski from a local operator around 5 p.m. on the 13th. As they did not return at the agreed time, the operator became concerned and reported to the authorities. Rescue personnel found them at 10 a.m. on the 14th.

Their rented jet ski capsized only about 15 minutes into the ride. Investigators are clarifying the cause.

The father told officials that he was very experienced with jet skis. However, the operator told the media that they seemed to have gone beyond the allowed area specified in the rental agreement.

Rescue footage shared by Koh Samui authorities shows the jet ski almost completely overturned, with only the triangular front end visible above the water.

Officials stated that the family did not leave Thailand after the incident but instead continued their vacation.