French father and two sons found after jet ski capsized off Koh Samui
A French father and his two young sons were rescued after spending more than 16 hours stranded at sea when their rented jet ski capsized off Thailand’s Koh Samui island.
The 50-year-old father had rented the jet ski for a 45-minute ride at around 17:00 local time on Thursday.
Search operation launched
Rescuers were alerted when the family failed to return at the agreed time.
Speedboats and other jet skis were used to search the waters around Koh Samui and towards nearby Koh Phangan.
The search was suspended overnight before rescuers resumed efforts the following morning.
Found drifting in rough waters
The family was eventually found at around 10:00 on Friday, still drifting at sea.
The father told authorities that rough waves struck the jet ski, causing its engine to stop towards the end of their rental period.
Rescue footage showed one of the boys sitting on the front of the partially submerged jet ski while his father floated nearby. Both were wearing life jackets.
Family taken to hospital
Officials said the father and his sons appeared pale and exhausted after spending hours in the water and swallowing large amounts of seawater.
All three were taken to hospital for medical checks but were discharged shortly afterwards.
Holiday continues
The boys’ mother and older sister had been waiting on the beach when the three were brought back to safety.
Despite the frightening experience, officials said the family remained in Thailand and continued their holiday.
