THREE people were rescued from a capsized yacht this afternoon, Friday, under the Mersey Gateway bridge.

Firefighters were called to a report of a yacht having become stuck under the Mersey Gateway bridge on the River Mersey.

Shortly before 1pm five fire engines attended the scene from Widnes, Runcorn, Penketh, Warrington and Lymm - as well as an aerial platform and a rope rescue unit from Lymm and a swift water rescue boat from Warrington.

On arrival crews discovered that three people were trapped on the 27ft sailing yacht which had capsized in the water.

St Mary's Road in Widnes was closed and a small cordon was put in place as emergency services formulated a plan to rescue the people.

A swift water rescue boat was launched from St Mary's Road and the three people were rescued. They were taken back to shore, where they were checked over by paramedics.