SEOUL, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Rescue operations were underway on Saturday for a burning fishing vessel in western waters off South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju, according to Yonhap news agency.

The South Korean coast guard was conducting rescue operations for two missing crew members after receiving a report at about 9:58 a.m. local time (0058 GMT) that a fire broke out on the 29-ton fishing boat.

Of the 10 crew members on board, eight were rescued, including two South Koreans and six foreigners. The remaining two South Koreans were believed to be trapped inside the vessel.

The coast guard dispatched helicopters, high-speed boats and a 3,000-ton patrol vessel to the scene.

Despite efforts to battle the blaze using water cannons, over 80 percent of the hull was destroyed, making it difficult to enter the ill-fated fishing vessel.

The coast guard planned to begin searching for the two crew members as soon as the fire is under control. ■