Burning fishing boat issues distress call off Irish coast
Saturday, 19 Jan 2008 19:42
Rescue launched after fishing boat catches fire off Irish coast
Coastguard workers have launched a rescue operation after a fishing boat struggled to contend with an "out of control" fire off the Irish coast.
Ten of the UK-registered Shark's 16 crew members are thought to have been evacuated so far, following the 12:30 GMT distress call.
The Shark's captain, who like his crew is Spanish, informed rescuers through an interpreter that a fire had broken out after a short circuit.
He explained that the ship did not have enough power to fight the fire itself.
Despite the vessel being off the coast of Arranmore, County Donegal, at the time of the fire's outbreak, it still fell within the rescue area of UK coastguard.
Clyde coastguard is leading the operation, supported by rescuers scrambled by helicopter from Sligo.
A statement from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said good visibility and low-level winds were helping rescuers in their bid to put the fire out.
If possible, Clyde coastguard hopes to guide the Shark to a port of refuge at Killybegs.