Three people have been rescued after their small boat suffered engine failure and was washed onto rocks near Little Akaloa Heads on Sunday afternoon.

Coastguard Sumner said it was tasked by police just after 1:13pm to respond to the emergency.

Rough conditions saw a 1.5-metre swell and 20-knot easterly winds batter the area.

Volunteers from both Coastguard Sumner and Lyttelton-based Coastguard Canterbury responded to the incident, alongside the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Coastguard Sumner’s all-weather rescue vessel, Blue Arrow Rescue, was launched within 15 minutes, carrying a crew of seven including a medic.

The rescue vessel arrived on scene as the helicopter was winching one of the casualties off the rocks. The Coastguard crew proceeded to rescue the remaining two people nearby.

“The two men were medically assessed on board — they were shaken up and cold but fine — and were later reunited with their family onshore,” Coastguard Sumner said.

Coastguard Canterbury’s rescue vessel and Coastguard Sumner’s HamiltonJet Rescue were also dispatched but were stood down when it was confirmed the three people had been successfully rescued.

Coastguard Sumner said the men “did the right thing by calling Police for assistance when they did,” and used the incident as a reminder for boaties to always be prepared.

“Make sure your boat is in good working order, and you’re experienced for the conditions you’re going out in. But sometimes things go wrong, so this is a good reminder to always wear your lifejacket, take two forms of waterproof communication, check the forecast, and log your trip with Coastguard.”