This is the moment the US Coast Guard rescues two boaters and a dog from their sinking catamaran in a Louisiana bay.

The rescue operation was filmed at Atchafalaya Bay near New Orleans in the US state of Louisiana on 12th February.

The two boaters and their dog encountered problems in the bay and their vessel began taking on water.

They contacted the emergency services and the Coast Guard was sent to their location.

The emergency services were informed that their 30-foot catamaran was taking on water at around 5pm.

The Coast Guard’s 8th District Headquarters in New Orleans said a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was sent to the scene, along with a 24-foot shallow water boat.

The two boaters and their pet were winched onboard the helicopter and taken to the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport in the city of Patterson in St. Mary Parish.

The rescued trio was found to be in good condition after their ordeal.

They posed for a photo with their rescuers at the Patterson airport after being flown to safety.

The Coast Guard said a private salvage firm will retrieve the couple’s vessel as soon as possible.