A Swedish tourist who jumped off a ferry to retrieve his fallen bag was rescued in Thailand.

Lars Emil Tobias Soderger, 28, was island hopping onboard the Koh Chang Ferry when his rucksack, which he said contained important documents, slipped off his hands and fell into the water in Trat, Thailand, on November 19.

Other passengers saw him and told the crew, and they made a turn to rescue him.

Footage shows Lars Emil Tobias drifting in the ocean with his bag as the crew worked on retrieving him onboard.

A life ring was tossed towards him, which he clung onto while the crew pulled him back to the vessel.

Lars Emil Tobias was exhausted and almost drowned, as it took minutes before he was rescued.

One of the ferry crew said: 'He said his bag held his important papers. It fell to the sea, so he jumped to take them.'

He was given first aid treatment and rushed to the nearest hospital when they reached the port.

Doctors said his condition is now stable but will have to remain under treatment.