Nine French fishermen have been airlifted to safety after their fishing vessel ran aground in the Western Isles.

The 'Jacques Abry' was damaged when it struck the east coast of North Uist at 0330GMT on Tuesday.

A coastguard helicopter was scrambled and airlifted five of the crew to Benbecula as the vessel began taking in water.

Efforts are now being made to prevent diesel fuel spilling into the sea.

None of the crew members were injured and the remaining four were taken off the boat at 0600GMT as conditions on board deteriorated.

The Falmouth coastguard was alerted by the French Rescue Centre ETEL of the 268-ton vessel's plight.

Engineers are working to remove 83,000 litres of red diesel fuel from the hold to prevent it spilling into the water.

Coastguard watch manager Angus Murray said: "All nine crewmen are now safe and well. Our future intentions are to bring them back to Stornoway and continue anti-pollution operations on scene."