Thai Family Rescued After 16 Hours of Jet Ski Overboard

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:46:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 50‑year‑old father and his two boys survived a 16‑hour ordeal rafted by sea after a jet ski capsized off Koh Samui, Thailand.

A 50‑year‑old man from Koh Samui and his sons were discovered drifting in the water after their jet ski toppled in 09:00 GMT. Over 16 hours they endured dehydration and saltwater exposure while remaining undetected by nearby vessels. Singapore‑based coastguard units tracked the family and rescued them before the coast guard made a mandatory stop for medical check‑ups. The three were admitted to a local hospital, treated for hypothermia and minor injuries, then discharged the following day.

Family Splits from Jet Ski and Drifts for 16 Hours

Local authorities confirmed that a 50‑year‑old father and his two sons were found stranded off the South‑East coast of Koh Samui after their jet ski capsized. The family spent over sixteen hours afloat, during which they swallowed large quantities of seawater and suffered from exhaustion and exposure.

Rescue Operation

Coastguard officer Amorn Chomchoey led the rescue mission that day. “We found them pale and dehydrated,” Chomchoey said. The team retrieved the family using a small rescue boat, offering water and immediate medical assistance.

Aftermath and Hospital Discharge

Following the rescue, the family was transported to a state hospital for evaluation. They were checked for hypothermia, dehydration and minor bruises. All three patients were discharged the same day, with doctors advising rest and hydration.

Take‑away for Travelers

Experts emphasise the importance of safety gear and staying in contact during water sports. The incident underscores a need for better monitoring of small‑boat operations around tourist hotspots like Koh Samui.