All eight survivors were recovered with no reports of injuries, officials confirmed.
Local park chief Jampen Phomphakdee and his team recovered the family about five nautical miles south of Koh Hong after receiving a mayday call from the speedboat captain Ekkachai Rachakan.
“We took two dinghies and one longtail boat to search for them,” Chief Jampen reported.
“We rescued five Russians and the Thai guide and the captain,” he added,
“All tourists were wearing life jackets and holding onto floats. All seven were safe and were taken to Koh Hong where they could recover,” he explained.
Tour guide Manasaya Hirano, 35, told The Phuket News, “We picked up a Russian couple and their three daughters from Phuket and visited Koh Hong then Koh Gai (Chicken Island).
“We left (Koh Gai) at 4pm and started heading to Koh Yao. We were about four kilometres (sic) from Koh Hong when we noticed water coming in at the back of the boat. Then our boat started to sink,” she said.
“Our captain Ekkachai called park officials for help.” Ms Manasaya added.
Chief Jampen confirmed to The Phuket News that all seven were safely returned to Phuket by 6pm.