The Panamanian authorities are investigating a major blaze that affected three fishing vessels anchored near the Panama Canal.

Three fishing vessels, with a total of eight crew members, were rescued between one and two nautical miles from the Port of Vacamonte in central Panama.

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) said the blaze broke out at around 10:20am on Wednesday May 11 on a vessel belonging to the company Rocmar Seafood that was anchored at sea.

Another ship belonging to the company rescued the eight crew members on board the three vessels affected by the flames.

The AMP said: 'These fishing boats operate regularly in this area.'

The maritime authority added that the fire 'has not caused injuries, but it spread to two other ships from the same company' that were anchored in the same area.

The National Aeronaval Service said they sent several ships to the scene while an aircraft monitored the situation from the air.

According to local reports, the affected fishing boats were the Chung Kuo No. 686, the Chung Kuo No. 85, and the Rising Star.

Security Minister Juan Manuel Pino said the blaze was quickly brought under control on two ships, but was more intense on the other.

The Panamanian official confirmed that no one suffered any injuries in the fire.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.