Gutted Russian trawler Bukhta Nayezdnik overturns in Norway Published duration 26 September 2019

image copyright Reuters

A Russian fishing trawler which caught fire in Norway on Wednesday has overturned and is mostly submerged, pictures from the scene show.

The decision was made to overturn the vessel to prevent yet more smoke clogging the air in surrounding areas.

A 300-metre no-go zone around the site in Tromso has been scrapped.

It means the 100 or so residents told to leave their homes can now return, but local authorities have warned them to keep their windows and doors closed.

Several schools, however, remain shut.

image copyright EPA

It is not yet known what caused the fire.

Firefighters reportedly said the blaze began at the stern, then spread to fishing nets.

But police have not confirmed this and are still investigating, Norwegian media say.

image copyright Reuters

Norwegian police say all 29 crew members from the trawler, the Bukhta Nayezdnik, are safe, having been evacuated on Wednesday around 12:30 local time (10:30 GMT).

Two have been receiving treatment for smoke inhalation, according to local reports.

Police say emergency services cooled a large tank of ammonia inside the trawler - a gas which can cause skin burns and is dangerous to inhale.

They believe this will lessen the risk of an explosion, media reports say.

image copyright Reuters

Norway's water transport agency has told media that measures have been put in place to minimise the risk of any fuel leaking out.

All pictures copyright.

media caption Emergency services battle the blaze then tip the vessel over