Firefighters are tackling a major fire on a cargo ship on the west coast of Scotland.

The 100,000 tonne bulk carrier Yeoman Bontrup had been loading material at the Glensanda quarry on the Morven peninsula in Lochaber.

No-one has been seriously injured but the vessel is believed to have been extensively damaged.

A coastguard spokesman said the fire broke out on a conveyor belt and had caused explosions on board.

The blaze took hold on the Bahamas-registered ship at about 1530 BST on Friday on the conveyor belt used to carry material from the quarry to the ship.

Because of Glensanda's remote location, firefighters had to travel by barge.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service said the fire spread to the ship and set off an explosion involving gas cylinders on board.

The coastguard said all crew members were safe, however the area of the vessel housing the crew quarters suffered significant damage.

One man was taken to Oban Hospital for treatment to injuries which are not thought to be life threatening.

A number of crew members were also treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and for minor injuries.

Specialist team

Richard Morgans, Clyde Coastguard's watch manager said: "This is a fierce fire which has caused a couple of explosions on board.

"We are working with Glensanda harbour master and the Highlands and Islands Fire Service to tackle the blaze and minimize the threat of pollution."

The eight-man specialist Highlands and Islands maritime firefighting team (Mirg) has been at the scene since 2015 BST.

They were transported there by an RAF rescue helicopter from Lossiemouth, with the assistance of coastguard rescue officers from the Portmahomack team.

Highlands and Islands Fire Service have three appliances at the scene, assisted by a further three appliances from Strathclyde.

The coastguard rescue tug Anglian Sovereign was on its way to the scene to help with the recovery of the vessel.

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