A French family was rescued Friday morning after spending 16 hours adrift on a capsized jet ski off the coast of Thailand’s Koh Samui. The group, consisting of a 50-year-old father and his two sons, were located approximately five miles offshore by search teams at around 10:00 local time.
The Brahim Terki family—father Brahim, 50, and sons Maheiddine, 12, and Ilyes, 9—were found clinging to the partially submerged jet ski, both wearing life jackets. Video footage from the rescue shows one son seated atop the jet ski’s front section while the father floated nearby, waving at approaching rescuers. Officials confirmed the family had been exhausted and pale, with the children having swallowed significant amounts of seawater.
Rescue teams from the Wat Plai Leam Rescue Foundation and local authorities responded after the jet ski operator alerted authorities when the family failed to return at the agreed time. Search efforts were initially suspended overnight due to rough sea conditions before resuming the next morning. The family was transported to Bangkok Hospital Samui for medical checks and discharged shortly after treatment.
How the incident unfolded
The Terki family rented the jet ski from a local operator on Koh Samui at approximately 5:00 PM local time Thursday. Rough waves struck the vehicle near the end of the rental period, causing the engine to stop, according to the father’s account. The family then drifted for over 16 hours before being located.
Search operations involved speedboats and additional jet skis, covering waters near Koh Samui and the nearby island of Koh Phangan. Authorities suspended the search at 1:00 AM Friday due to hazardous conditions before restarting at dawn. The family’s location was confirmed by Thai media reports citing local officials.
Family reunited and holiday continues
The boys’ mother and older sister had been waiting on the beach during the search. Following the rescue, the family remained in Thailand to continue their vacation, officials told AFP. The Bangkok Post reported that investigators are examining the cause of the capsize, including the possibility the family traveled beyond designated rental zones.
Life jackets and safety measures
All three family members were wearing life jackets during the ordeal. Rescuers provided water to the exhausted group upon retrieval. Local official Amorn Chomchoey stated the family was in stable condition after being discharged from the hospital. The incident raises questions about jet ski safety protocols in tourist-heavy areas like Koh Samui.