Two men, a woman and two of their three dogs were rescued after the boat they were on capsized in rough seas near Comino yesterday.

A distress call was received by the Armed Forces of Malta’s operations centre at 11.40am. First assistance was given by a passing boat as a Gozo-based patrol boat and a helicopter, which was conducting a training exercise over Selmun, were dispatched to the area.

The helicopter landed on Comino and rescuers assisted the victims who appeared in good health.

Two of the victims were taken to Mater Dei Hospital for further medical treatment as they appeared to be suffering from mild hypothermia.

With the help of members of the public, two of the dogs were rescued but the third was found dead in the sea.