Three rescued as boat takes on water

Three people were rescued off the coast of Rockingham this morning after their boat broke down.

The 5.5m open boat was taking on water when rescue crews arrived.

Water police were alerted to the vessel when an EPIRB device was activated about 20 nautical miles west of Cape Peron at about 8.30am.

The Surf Life Saving helicopter was sent to search for the boat and a message was sent out on marine radio asking vessels in the area to assist in the search.

A fishing vessel, which was about 10 minutes away from the sinking boat, responded to the call for help and found the boat about 8.50pm.

The Rockingham Volunteer Marine Rescue towed the boat back to shore.