An investigation has been launched into how a fire broke out on a fishing trawler this morning, prompting the evacuation of the entire crew.
All of the crew of a Talley's fishing vessel on fire off the coast of Canterbury have now abandoned ship, as the blaze has spread throughout the vessel.
Maritime New Zealand said 39 crew members aboard the New Zealand-flagged Amaltal Columbia are now safely on board the Russian fishing vessel, the Ivan Golubets, which responded to the ship's mayday call this morning.
Four other crew, including the ship's captain and chief engineer, had remained aboard the vessel, however they have now been transferred on to the San Discovery.
The fire started in the meal hold in the stern of the vessel and was initially said to be contained, however it has now spread throughout the ship, Maritime New Zealand said.