Three people were rescued by Coastguard volunteers after their 43ft fishing launch hit rocks and took on water in the Firth of Thames early this morning.

Coastguard volunteers from Thames and Maraetai were notified to the distressed vessel at about 3.30am this morning, with Maraetai Rescue One arriving on-scene shortly after 4am.

Three people on board a 43ft fishing vessel with which hit rocks just north of Motukahaua Island in the Firth of Thames were rescued by Coastguard volunteers at about 4am this morning. Photo: Coastguard Northern Region

Coastguard Northern Region says the vessel hit rocks just north of Motukahaua Island, also known as Happy Jack Island.

Upon discovering all three people on board were safe, volunteers then worked to stem the flow of water before towing the vessel to West Park Marina in Auckland.

Thames Rescue shadowed the vessel initially to make sure the salvage pumps were able to keep up with water flow.