Fears for over 30 passengers unaccounted for after a luxury boat in California burst into flames.
The yacht, believed to be a 75ft vessel carrying around 39 people, was sailing three miles off the coast of Santa Cruz Island when it reportedly became fully overcome by fire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at 4am local time (11am GMT).
The US Coastguard deployed a helicopter alongside several rescue boats to tackle the blaze. Nearby vessels were also called to help rescue the passengers.
Rescue workers remain at the scene while they attempt to contain the fire without sinking the vessel.
According to reports, five crew members managed to escape the vessel while one is being treated for a broken leg.
The local Coastguard wrote on Twitter: “The Coast Guard has launched multiple rescue assets along with assets from local agencies to assist more than 30 people in distress on a 75ft boat near Santa Cruz Island.”
The name of the vessel has not yet been revealed
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Jen Buesinger Sperry, a Good Day LA reporter, said it was a “mass fatality” incident.
She wrote: “34 fatalities per Ventura County Fire.”
Local news website KTLA is also reporting 34 fatalities.
The fire has not yet been extinguished and a major rescue effort is ongoing.
