Three Die In Trawler Fire

Three people have died after a fishing boat caught fire in Fraserburgh Harbour in Aberdeenshire.

Grampian Fire and Rescue said 43 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze and six appliances were at the scene.

The Vision II trawler had been docked at the harbour when the fire service received an emergency call just after 1.30am.

The identity of the victims has not been released although the agents for the prawn trawler, Westward Fishing Company, have intimated that the crew victims may be one Latvian and two Filipino nationals.

It is reported that the three-year-old 90ft vessel had recently changed hands and was undergoing a re-fit and re-name from Amethyst.

It is thought that foreign crew members occasionally sleep on boats in the harbour.

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service's David Rout said, "firecrews encountered an extremely demanding and hazardous situation".

Firefighters used breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras as they fought the blaze.

Coastguard and lifeboat teams were also sent to assist with the operation.

While the Brigade and Grampian Police are carrying out a joint investigation, police said it was too early to say whether or not the fire was suspicious.

Detective Inspector Martin Dunn said: "Inquiries are at an early stage and these will continue to establish the circumstances of this tragic accident."

Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson said: "Obviously my thoughts to out to the friends and family of those who have died."

Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said "the fishing community will be highly concerned" and "the question now is how did this happen and how can we avoid this happening again?"

Police say the boat remains secured to the quayside and afloat, berthed at Balaclava Quay.

(DS)(BMcC)