Four rescue helicopters are evacuating people from a cruise ship which has got into trouble in rough seas off the coast of Norway.

The Viking Sky sent out a mayday call after it developed engine trouble about a mile from land, with 13-hundred people on board.

Emergency services say it will take a very long time if they have to remove everyone by helicopter, and other boats are being sent to the area to help.

A reception centre is also being set up on shore to accommodate the evacuees.

image: Frank Einar Vatne via REUTERS