Three men have been rescued from a boat off the Mayo coast just minutes before it burst into flames.
The fire broke out in the engine room of the vessel shortly before 1.00 p.m. near Slyne Head.
Efforts by the crew to put out the fire failed, and they were airlifted to safety by the Shannon-based rescue heliopter at 1.15 pm, assisted by the Aran lsland lifeboat .
The three men were flown to Knock airport but did not require hospitalisation. The vessel has been slowly sinking off the Mayo coast since an explosion on board moments after its evacuation.
The boat, The Patriach,was owned by controversial priest Bishop Michael Cox, who had intended to consecrate it for use as a 'floating' church. The 84-foot boat was built in Sweden in 1961. It was originally a fishing trawler .
The crewmen were bringing it to Blacksod bay in Belmullet from Fenit in Co Kerry. They stopped off at Kilronan, Aran Island and were two and a half hours into their journey when the fire broke out.
Speaking to
ireland.comthis afternoon Bishop Cox said he had intended to consecrate the boat.
"I had hoped to travel around the coast with it and challenge the abortion ship. I heard there is going to be a move to bring the ship here", he said
"I will now have to re think my plans. I'm just glad the crew is alright" he added
Bishop Cox said he was a member of the Mater Dei, Mother of God Order which he claimed had its headquarter in Birr, Co Offally. Singer Sinead O'Connor is a high-profile member of the order.
One of the three crewmen on board told ireland.comhe believes the fire was caused by electrical faults in the engine room.