The boat, carrying 27 tourists back from dive sites near Koh Dokmai and Koh Khiew, apparently hit a rock about 15 sea miles from Panwa Cape.
A Third Naval Command officer received a call from the Phuket Tourist Assistance Centre about 6.30 pm yesterday evening saying the boat, operated by the Kontiki Dive company, was taking on water.
The Royal Thai Navy ship Wittayakhom was sent out to rescue the tourists, who were reportedly wearing life jackets and awaiting assistance.
It proved unnecessary though, as Kontiki managed to send two speedboats to pick up the stranded passengers and return them to dry land at about 9 pm.