More than a dozen people had to be rescued from a malfunctioning ride at SeaWorld after they became trapped high above water for hours.

Rescue crews rushed to help 16 people stranded on about six different gondolas at the amusement park in San Diego on Monday night.

Some passengers were left suspended high above water for four hours after Bayside Skyride malfunctioned at about 7.20pm (3.20am Tuesday GMT).

It is believed a large gust of wind tripped a circuit breaker on the attraction.

San Diego Fire and Rescue Department said the first two passengers were rescued by 9.20pm and half of the group had been rescued by 10pm.

All of the passengers were safely rescued by about 11pm (7am Tuesday GMT).

According to the fire service, among the group was a partially-paralysed passenger who suffered a stroke last year.

A spokesperson added that both children and adults were among those taken to safety.

Some of the children had to be lowered from the ride in harnesses before they were rescued by lifeboat crews.

Each person was assessed by a medical team after they arrived safely at a nearby dock.

SeaWorld said in a statement that it would conduct a thorough inspection of the ride prior to reopening.

According to the National Weather Service, it was about 49 degrees fahrenheit (9C) in San Diego at the time.