Footage shows a plane that crashed into the sea killing all six police officers onboard being recovered on Saturday.

The Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter operated by the Royal Thai Police plunged into the water in Hua Hin, around 125 miles south of the capital, Bangkok, on Friday morning.

Five officers were killed at the scene while a sixth died in the hospital shortly after.

Horrified guests at the Baby Grand Hua Hin Hotel watched as the aircraft slammed into the beach shortly after 8 am local time.

Several locals, along with passing fishermen, rushed over to the wreckage. Five people were pulled from the water by divers and the sixth was found later.

Officials said that the crash happened during a test flight for parachute practice. However, they steered the aircraft away from the nearby hotel in order to nosedive into the sea and avoid further casualties.

The two pilots killed were identified as Police Colonel Prathan Khiaokham and Police Lieutenant Colonel Panthep Maniwachirangkul.

Another pilot, Police Captain Jaturong Watthanaphaisan, sustained severe injuries and was taken to Hua Hin Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

An engineer, Police Lieutenant Tanawat Mekprasertsuk, and a mechanic, Police Lance Corporal Jirawat Maksakha, were also killed in the incident.

Another mechanic, Police Sergeant Major Prawat Phonhongsa, was injured and died later in the hospital.

National Police Chief Police General Kitrat Phanphet said: 'The families of the victims will be closely supported and funeral arrangements will be made for them.

'I have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash.'

Police chief Kitrat Phanphet, who visited the scene alongside other officials, said initial investigations showed the plane was heading towards houses but its pilots managed to manoeuvre it towards the sea, avoiding any further fatalities.

'The Royal Thai Police express their deepest condolences to the brave officers who lost their lives,' a statement added.