A French family was rescued off the coast of Thailand after their rented jet ski capsized, leaving them stranded at sea for more than 16 hours. The 50-year-old father and his two sons, aged five and seven, were found pale and exhausted after swallowing seawater, according to local official Amorn Chomchoey.

The family had rented the jet ski for a 45-minute ride around Koh Samui, one of Thailand's most popular tourist islands, at around 5 p.m. local time on Thursday. When they failed to return, rescuers launched a search using speedboats and other jet skis, but efforts were suspended overnight.

The trio was eventually spotted still drifting at sea on Friday morning. Footage from the rescue shows one boy perched on the front of the partially submerged jet ski while the father waves for help. Both wore life jackets.

The father told authorities that rough waves had struck the jet ski and stalled the engine. The boys' mother and older sister were waiting on the beach when the family was brought back to safety. All three were taken to hospital for checks but were discharged shortly afterward.

The family has reportedly chosen to continue their holiday in Thailand. The incident raises concerns about the safety of jet ski rentals in the region, especially for tourists unfamiliar with local sea conditions.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk