Five people have been injured after a tourist boat burst into flames in northwest Spain.

It came after the catamaran, which was carrying nearly 50 people, collided with another boat off the island of Toxa in the Galicia region.

Many passengers reportedly threw themselves into the sea as the Civil Guard and boats piloted by civilians scrambled to rescue victims.

There are no reports of fatalities, but a number of passengers have been treated for burns, other injuries and shock.

The wounded have been taken to various hospitals depending on their type of injury, according to local emergency services.