An operation is under way to rescue the crew of a burning fishing boat off the coast of Donegal.
The fishing vessel which caught fire off the coast of Donegal is beginning to list after taking on water.
A helicopter from Sligo and a lifeboat from Arranmore, Co Donegal, have been sent to the aid of the Scottish-registered vessel, The Shark.
Just two of the 16 Spanish crew remain on board the Scottish-registered vessel, The Shark. The others were rescued by helicopter and lifeboat.
Nine of the 16 Spanish crew have been taken off the vessel. The rest are tackling the blaze which broke out in the accommodation area.
The operation was co-ordinated by Clyde Coastguard and emergency services were deployed from Sligo and Donegal. Irish naval vessel LE Eithne is at the scene.
The rescue operation is being co-ordinated by Clyde Coastguard.
The fire in the boat's living quarters was caused by an electrical fault.
The captain's command of English is limited but througn an interpreter he reported there was "considerable smoke on board and the fire had been caused by a short circuit".
The Shark had been heading for the Donegal fishing port of Killybegs when the fire took hold.
Fishing port
The skipper's command of English is limited but through an interpreter he reported there was "considerable smoke on board.
The crew told the Coastguard they did not have enough power on board to fight the fire.
They had been aiming to reach the Donegal fishing port of Killybegs when the fire took hold.
Clyde Coastguard watch commander Bill Spiers said he hoped the fire could be confined to the accommodation area and two cabins.
"We have got to be very careful of the risks involved, so we won't be putting anyone into any danger," he said.
"It might well be that we just have to keep it battened down until it goes out of its own accord."
