SURAT THANI: Three French tourists — a father and his two young sons — have been rescued after drifting overnight in the sea off Koh Samui when their rented jet ski became stranded in rough conditions.

The family was found at 10.26am on Friday about five nautical miles off Chaweng Beach in tambon Bo Phut after an extensive search involving local authorities, police, rescue teams and private jet ski operators.

Rescuers from the Wat Plai Laem Rescue Foundation and district administration teams located the trio wearing life jackets in open waters. The youngest son was found clinging to the front of the jet ski.

The tourists were identified as Brahim Terki, 50, and his sons Maheiddine, 12, and Ilyes, 9. All were exhausted but safe. They were brought ashore and taken to Bangkok Hospital Samui for medical examinations.

According to investigators, the family rented a jet ski from Chaweng Beach at 5.10pm on Thursday for a 45-minute ride.

When they failed to return, the operator alerted authorities and launched an initial search at about 6pm, but was unable to locate them.

A large-scale search was mounted later that evening, with speedboats and jet skis combing waters around Koh Samui and towards Koh Phangan.

The operation continued until 1am on Friday before being suspended because of rough seas and safety concerns. The search resumed the following morning and led to the rescue.

Mr Terki told authorities that he had taken his sons out from shore on the jet ski when, near the end of the rental period, rough waves struck the craft and caused the engine to stop.

Unable to contact anyone for help, the family spent the entire night at sea. Mr Terki and his elder son remained afloat in the water, while the younger boy held on to the stranded craft.

Mr Terki thanked all of the rescuers involved in the operation for bringing them safely back to shore.

(Photo: Provincial Administration Office, Koh Samui)