Sailors were rescued from a burning fishing trawler off the coast of India.

Nearby locals spotted the watercraft engulfed in flames in the waters of Alibaug, Maharashtra, approximately six to seven nautical miles offshore, on February 20 morning.

This prompted residents to immediately call the Indian Coast Guard, who swiftly saved 20 stranded seafarers.

Authorities then reportedly extinguished the fire on the watercraft, owned by Rakesh Maruti Gan, and brought the group to safety, boarding them on the ship.

Footage shows the charred vessel in the middle of the sea, with smoke billowing into the air.

No injuries were reported from the incident.

Police said that a short circuit may have caused the fire.