French family rescued after 16 hours adrift in sea off Thai island
A French family was rescued off the coast of Thailand after spending more than 16 hours stranded at sea when their rented jet ski capsized. The incident occurred near Koh Samui, one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations.
According to local government official Amorn Chomchoey, the father, aged 50, and his two young sons were found in a state of exhaustion. They had swallowed a significant amount of seawater and were described as pale. All three were taken to a hospital for medical checks and were discharged shortly afterwards.
The family had set out on the jet ski at around 17:00 local time on Thursday for what was meant to be a 45-minute ride. When the vehicle was not returned at the agreed time, rescuers were alerted. Search efforts began immediately, with speedboats and other jet skis combing the waters between Koh Samui and the nearby island of Koh Phangan.
Due to darkness, the search was suspended overnight. The following morning, at approximately 10:00 local time, the family was found still drifting at sea. Footage from the rescue shows one of the boys sitting on the front of the partially submerged jet ski, while his father, wearing a life jacket, waves for help nearby.
The father later told authorities that rough waves had struck the jet ski and caused the engine to stop near the end of the rented period. This left the family at the mercy of the currents until they were located.
According to the Bangkok Post, the boys' mother and older sister had been waiting on the beach when the trio were brought back to safety. Officials confirmed that the family has remained in Thailand and continued their holiday.
The incident highlights the importance of safety measures for water-based activities in tourist areas. While jet ski rentals are common in Thailand, experts advise renters to be aware of weather conditions, ensure life jackets are worn, and maintain communication with rental operators. In this case, the family's life jackets likely played a crucial role in their survival.
Local authorities have not reported any disciplinary action against the rental operator, and the focus remains on the safe reunion of the family. The Thai tourism industry, which relies heavily on such recreational activities, will likely review safety protocols in the aftermath of this near-tragedy.
