THREE people have been rescued by Southend Lifeboats after their motorboat got into difficulties off Leigh.

The 37ft Cathrina became snared while trying to moor in blustery winds and turbulent water in Hadleigh Creek.

The RNLI lifeboat Atlantic was launched from Southend Pier after the alarm was raised at 2.15pm today.

The crew struggled to free the vessel due to the conditions so it was secured on a mooring while its crew remained on board. They later went ashore.