Clyde Coastguard received a telephone call from the Coastguard in Madrid requesting urgent assistance to a fishing vessel the `Shark, which had an out of control fire on board within the accommodation area, and was off the coast of Ireland, but within the United Kingdoms search and rescue area.
The `Shark; is a British registered fishing vessel and has Spanish crew on board. The skippers command of English is limited and required an interpreter service. The crew complement is 16.
Through that interpreter further information was gained, including the fact that there was considerable smoke on board and that the fire had been caused by a short circuit. The crew also told the Coastguard they did not have enough power on board to fight the fire. At the time they were still under way and were aiming to reach port of Killybegs when the fire took hold. All crew have now assembled on the upper deck. The engines have now stopped as the vessel is filled with smoke.
The Irish Coastguard rebroadcast a mayday signal for anyone in the area to respond to the crews plight. A lifeboat from Arranmore was launched and the Irish Coastguard helicopter from Sligo was also scrambled to the scene.
The weather on scene is west northwesterly winds of force three with a 2 to 3 metre swell locally with good visibility. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been made aware of the incident.
It was agreed with the Master that 10 non essential crew would be taken off by helicopter and delivered to a nearby Irish naval vessel.
Discussions are ongoing with the ships Master as to whether the vessel can be towed safely to a port of refuge.
