This was the moment two Russian tourists were rescued today after their jet ski capsized at the same time as a double boat tragedy that has left 49 passengers missing.

The couple, who have not been named, were using the beach toy when they lost control amidst strong winds battering the popular holiday island. They were rescued.

Meanwhile, police said up to FORTY NINE tourists were missing, mainly from Taiwan, China and Russian were still missing tonight (THU) after two tourist boats capsized in choppy seas off the island of Koh Hae.

Coastguards received an emergency call at 5.45pm to say that the Phoenix PD diving boat carrying 97 people had sank off this island .

Another yacht carrying 30 people in the same area also capsized. Navy boats, coastguards and passing trawlers collected the victims but this evening seven of the passengers were missing.

Officials said that strong winds had battered the popular tourist resort causing rough seas.

Phuket governor Norapat Plodthong said that more than 40 children had been aboard the vessels.

He said: ''The boats sank near the island Koh Hae. Rescuers vessels were ordered to immediately assist.''