Tourists fled from a sinking ferry struck by rough waves in southern Thailand.

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 who were wearing life jackets.

Local media reported that all 92 tourists and 11 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. Several holidaymakers were treated for dizziness and seasickness.

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.

Manop Lueang-on, Director of the Trat Regional Harbor Office, said they have issued a warning regarding strong winds and waves.

He added: 'The crash happened when the vessel struck a hidden underwater obstacle in fierce winds and waves. It was an unavoidable accident. We are urging all boaters to take care on the water.'

The team operating the Seudamgo said in a statement: ‘Due to unexpected severe weather and strong waves, we would like to express our deepest regret and sincere apologies for the incident. We assure you that all passengers and crew are safe, with no serious injuries or missing persons reported.

‘The company will urgently implement additional preventive measures and corrective actions to ensure that such an incident does not occur again in the future.

‘We would like to express our appreciation for the support and assistance from government agencies, maritime safety officers, and representatives of Trat Province, as well as the offshore rescue units – Koh Kood Express Company, Chonlathee Speedboat Company, and local fishing vessels – who responded promptly and helped during this incident.'

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.'

Ferry operator Seudamgo said that 'unexpected severe weather and strong waves' caused the incident.

They said in a statement: 'All passengers and crew are safe, with no serious injuries or missing persons. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and concern caused.

'The company will urgently implement additional preventative measures and corrective actions to ensure that such an incident does not occur again in the future.'

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 dangerous 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.