Four Russian tourists were rescued when their speedboat smashed into rocks on a Thai island.

The tourists were travelling through choppy seas off the coast of Phuket on Thursday when their blue-and-white vessel ran aground near the island of Koh Mai Thon.

Wearing life vests, they managed to scramble onto dry land but found themselves stranded on a tidal pool next to a steep cliff. Strong waves pounded their wrecked boat, which was wedged between rocks.

The Thai Navy ordered a rescue operation after receiving a distress call from boat owner Nelo, who said the speedboat was grounded some 4.6 miles southeast of the navy pier in Phuket.

At around 7:30 pm local time, the Tor 272 patrol boat was dispatched carrying a marine rescue team.

They found the group clinging to rocks as they were battered by fierce waves. Officers urged the tourists to remain calm as the patrol boat then sailed back to base to collect a special operations unit armed with inflatable rafts, ropes, life vests, and lights.

Footage shows the specialists battling through rough waters toward the island on an inflatable boat. They reached the stranded tourists at around 10:50 pm and pulled them aboard the navy ship.

The rescued individuals were identified as Elena Kurilenko, 43, Vsevolod Lukovnikov, 38, Alexei, and Kristina, who were staying at different hotels on Phuket.

Rear Admiral Sataporn Wajrat, Chief of Staff of the 3rd Naval Area Command, said all passengers arrived safely on the island at 12:10 am.

He said: 'All four are safe, but are showing slight fatigue. The female tourist was in shock from the incident. The four tourists were then handed over to the relevant agencies. The operation proceeded smoothly, with personnel safe and no damage to government equipment.'

The Thai Meteorological Department had forecast thundershowers, isolated heavy rain, and tall waves along Thailand's west coast, including Phuket.