THREE people were rescued by passing fishermen following concerns it had caught fire.

Llandudno Coastguard was called to help the stranded vessel between Conwy fairway and Traeth Lafan Sands just after 10.20am on Sunday.

Coastguard crews from Llandudno, Conwy and Holyhead were sent to the incident, when a passing fishing boat took the three people onboard.

Conwy inshore lifeboat surveyed the stranded vessel and found there was no immediate risk of fire.

It was then towed to Conwy, Llandudno Coastguard said.

"Llandudno’s all-weather lifeboat William F Yates was tasked to launch at 10.22am on Sunday to join Conwy inshore Lifeboat The May-Bob," said Llandudno Coastguard.

"They were required to attend a stricken vessel with a possible fire located ‘between Conwy fairway buoy and Traeth Lafan Sands' with three persons on board.

"The HM Coastguard Holyhead also requested all nearby vessels to stand by and offer assistance, while a local fishing vessel was able to take three people off the casualty vessel. Conwy ILB was first on scene followed shortly after by Llandudno lifeboat.

"The casualties were transferred to Llandudno lifeboat which, together with Conwy ILB, remained on standby until satisfied there was no imminent risk of fire, and an assessment could be made about establishing a safe return of the vessel to Conwy.

"Llandudno lifeboat was then requested by the HM Coastguard Holyhead to tow the stricken vessel to a safe mooring at the Beacons Jetty, Conwy Morfa, where they were assisted by Llandudno Coastguard."

Graham Heritage, Llandudno coxswain, said: "In these situations there is a critical need to thoroughly assess all the possible risks to ensure all crew members remain absolutely safe before they go aboard to safely secure a vessel."