This is the dramatic moment tourists were rescued from a sinking ship in Indonesia.

Eight tourists from Spain and China were sailing through the UNESCO-recognised Komodo National Park when their ferry was struck by a large wave off the coast of East Nusa Tenggara on Sunday.

Footage shows the passengers holding onto the side of the ship named Bahari Angin Mamiri as it overturned at sea. Crew were seen climbing out of the cabin windows.

Another clip shows shocked locals screaming as they saw the ferry tilt onto its side.

Rescue teams were later dispatched to the scene.

Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere search and rescue office, said: 'The ship capsized in waters between Mawan Island and Tanjung Lokima because it was hit by waves.'

Stephanus Risdiyanto, head of the Labuan Bajo Clas II Port Authority, said: 'There were eight tourists from Spain and China, the rest were crew and tour guides. Everyone was evacuated intially on the Aurelia ship. All passengers and crew were safe.'

The group were taken to the Labuan Bajo Marina Port with no injuries reported.

Ferry captain Junaidin said they were headed to Komodo island when both strong winds and powerful currents battered the vessel, causing it to flip over.