11 April 2012 Last updated at 13:24 ET

Fishermen rescued after Banff boat Onward catches fire off Orkney

The fishermen are recovering after the dramatic rescue from the sinking boat

Five fishermen have been rescued from liferafts after their boat caught fire about 50 miles from Orkney.

A signal from a distress beacon on the Banff-registered "Onward" was picked up at about 13:30 on Wednesday.

But it was not until the vessel was spotted from the air that it was discovered it was ablaze.

The men were airlifted by the Shetland Coastguard helicopter and were treated in Kirkwall for the effects of hypothermia. The boat later sank.

Shetland Coastguard Mike Smith said: "This incident shows the importance of having a registered distress beacon and how important they are when you have an emergency.

"We are pleased that all five crew have been rescued and are now in the hands of the medical professionals."