Norwegian warship ablaze

The blaze sent smoke billowing into the air

Fire has broken out on a Norwegian minesweeper, blazing out of control as the sailors abandoned ship.

The Orkla sent out a distress call at 0700 (0600GMT) on Tuesday, after the blaze broke out in the engine room.

Most of the 33 crew members took to lifeboats, and were picked up by rescuers.

It just got too hot on board. We had to get them off

Commander Thom Knutstad

A passenger ferry, a coastal steamer and other navy vessels were among the ships which responded to the distress call in waters off western Norway.

Eleven suffered smoke inhalation, but no-one was injured, said officials.

Seven men stayed on board to try to fight the flames.

But the ship, 55 metres (181 feet) long, began burning out of control and the last men had to be taken off.

"It just got too hot on board. We had to get them off," said Norwegian defence spokesman Commander Thom Knutstad.

"No-one is in danger and the entire crew has been brought to land."

Arms on board

He said the Orkla was likely to have small arms on board, rather than heavy weapons or ammunition.

Experts were trying to determine whether the ship was in danger of sinking. Other vessels towed it further away from shore.

The Orkla was lying about 15 kilometres (nine miles) off the western town of Aalesund.

The cause of the blaze is not known.