Dramatic rescue for stuck thrillseekers

Stuck in the sky ... passengers wait to be rescued.

TERRIFIED thrillseekers at a US theme park have been removed from a malfunctioning ride in a dramatic rescue operation.

About 50 passengers on SeaWorld’s iconic Sky Tower were trapped when the 122 metre tall ride stopped working.

Passengers stuck on Sky Tower at SeaWorld Orlando https://t.co/ZVM49z2ygG http://pic.twitter.com/71lvoVeKGT

— WTVC NewsChannel 9 (@newschannelnine) December 21, 2015

Read our statement on SeaWorld Orlando's Skytower: http://pic.twitter.com/ennHYQ9owS

— SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) December 21, 2015

The park announced on its official Twitter page Monday afternoon that it was working closely with Orange County Fire Rescue to return the guests safely to land.

Officials said they remained in constant communication with the guests and team members on the ride, and all passengers were safe as an intricate rescue, using a crane-like machine, was underway.

Disgruntled passengers have been tweeting from inside the carriage after being trapped for more than an hour.

“Boarded Sky Tower ride @ 12:05pm & still on it at 1.27pm. Now it will be another hour for maintenance to rescue us? # Not Happy,” passenger Michael Moffatt wrote.

@SeaWorld Boarded Sky Tower ride @ 12:05 PM & still on it at 1:27 PM. Now it will be another hour for maintenance to rescue us? # Not Happy

— Del. Michel Moffatt (@Moffatt4DelWV22) December 21, 2015

@sickoisben Hey Ben, we are working hard to get you out quickly and safely. Your safety is our top priority.

— SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) December 21, 2015

I made it to ground. Thanks goku! http://pic.twitter.com/oXiBV2Nk6i

— ben ward (@sickoisben) December 21, 2015

The Sky Tower attraction, which opened in 1973, features a double-decker, rotating pod that guests board at ground level and take a leisurely ride to the top.

The decent is conducted at a similar pace.