Terrified tourists fled from a ferry as it sank in southern Thailand this morning.

The Seudamgo vessel was carrying 92 holidaymakers near Koh Kradat island when it was struck by large waves around 10 miles from Laem Sok Pier in Trat province.

The impact reportedly fractured the hull, sending water rushing into the boat.

The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre scrambled to save those onboard at 12:25 pm local time.

Footage shows the half-submerged ferry listing as a rescue boat evacuated passengers and crew.

Local media reported that all 92 tourists and five crew members onboard were rescued by 1:40 pm. The Koh Kood Chonratee Speed Boat took the first batch of 43 tourists back to Laem Sok Pier, while the Koh Kood Express boat sent the remaining 49 passengers to Laem Sok Bridge.

Two boat crew members stayed with nearby vessels as officers pumped water from the ferry.

Maritime authorities said they will investigate the cause of the damaged hull and estimate the extent of the damage once the situation is under control.

At 1:57 pm, forty-three tourists were dropped off at Laem Son Pier and 49 others at Laem Sok Pier.

The Thai Meteorological Department said in its weather forecast that a strong northeast monsoon was prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, southern Thailand, and the upper Andaman Sea.

It said: 'Due to the rather strong wind force, the waves in the Gulf are expected to be 2-3 meters high and above 3 meters high in thundershowers.

'The waves in the upper Andaman Sea are about 2 meters high, 2-3 meters offshore and above 3 meters high in thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers.'

Thailand's seas are rough in November and December at the culmination of the annual monsoon season. However, tourist operators often take vessels out in dangeorus conditions.

A tourist boat carrying 18 people capsized in July this year, leading to the death of a tour guide.

One of the worst tragedies unfolded in July 2018, when a boat carrying 89 tourists capsized during a storm off the coast of Phuket. Forty-seven Chinese tourists died.

The fallout from the incident sparked a de facto boycott from the Chinese tourists, which Thailand is yet to fully recover from.