The Superintendent of Krabi Marine Office, Pol Maj Prakarn Phukate, told The Phuket News that it is not yet clear whether anyone had drowned or was injured, but it is understood that 12 people have so far been rescued.
Marine Police are now heading to the area where the incident took place, between Koh Maiton and Koh Kai, near Hin Musang (Shark Point), roughly halfway between Phuket and Phi Phi.
Waves offshore are reported to be running at heights of three metres, conditions in which small boats were urged not to leave the shore.