Three rescued from rough seas off Tasmania

A trio have been rescued after their boat broke down and was drifting in stormy seas off Tasmania's southwest coast.

The three people activated a distress beacon after breaking down 1.5km from South West Cape late on Friday night, the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority (AMSA) said.

Aeroplanes and a helicopter joined the search, but the rescue effort was hampered by eight metre swells and 100km/h winds.

The three were eventually rescued by a inflatable vessel at about 5am (AEDT) on Saturday, having drifted more than 24km, and taken to a Tasmania police boat.

They will be returned to Hobart later on Saturday, AMSA said.