NINE British tourists, believed to be Scots, were saved by Thai fishermen from a burning yacht after it was struck by lightning during a tropical storm.

The group were on board a 50ft (15m) chartered vessel near the coast of Phuket in Thailand when they were caught in storms on Saturday afternoon.

Police said the passengers who were taking a trip to a ravine sheltered below deck as the sea rocked the vessel and thunder sounded overhead.

The Beneteau-manufactured yacht Emmjay was engulfed in flames as a passing fishing boat helped the stricken crew and holidaymakers - four married couples and one other British woman. No-one was injured.

The Herald:

One couple on board were reportedly William Tennant, 65, and his wife Lilias, 68,from Lanark in South Lanarkshire. Mr Tennant, a lawyer, is understood to have served as Lord Cornet of Lanark in 1989 - an honorary position which involves being the town's representative for a year.

His wife Lilias was said to have served as a director of the Society of Law Accountants in Scotland during her career, which recently ended having retired from Mr Tennant's law firm.

The Reverend Bryan Kerr, of Greyfriars Parish Church, where the Kerrs are elders, said they were both keen sailors.

He said: "We are giving thanks that everyone is safe and for those who came to their rescue."

Police received a mayday call at around 5pm coastguards were dispatched to the scene near the Thalang district.

The other tourists on board were Kelvin Atkinson, 65, and Susan Atkinson, 64; Catherine Toy, 64, and Stewart Toy, 66; Anne Anderson, 63, and Martin Anderson, 59; and Magret Hamilton, 64.

Marine Chief Wiwat Chitchertwong said all the holidaymakers had been safely rescued.

He said: ''Police were notified at 5pm that there was heavy rain and lightning that struck the boat. This caused a fire.

''People were already sheltering downstairs in the boat to shelter from the rain when the lightning struck.''

Lt Col Brapan Chanprakon added: ''There were nine passengers on board and assisted by fishing ships they landed safely. There were no injuries or deaths.

''The police department is investigating and speaking with witnesses and boat owner.''