Five airlifted from burning trawler

Five fishermen have been airlifted from a trawler that went on fire off the Mayo coast this morning.

Five fishermen have been airlifted from a trawler that went on fire off the Mayo coast this morning.

A fire was reported on board the Killybegs-based trawler Eternal Dawnat 9.50am, and both the Coastguard and Ballyglass Lifeboat services were called to the scene.

The fire on the boat, which is about 20 miles north-east of Erris Head or Eagle Island, has been contained within the engine room of the 25-metre steel-hulled vessel.

The Shannon-based Irish Coastguard helicopter lifted the crew of five to safety. They have been taken to Sligo hospital, but none required medical treatment.

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A spokesman for Ballyglass lifeboat station said: "The fuel tank is burning, and the crew are keeping a distance because there is a fear the fuel tank will explode."

The lifeboat crew of seven and the Coastguard helicopter are monitoring the situation.