Booms are now in place to contain a light oil slick after a former fishing boat caught fire and sank in Milford Sound today.

The boat is berthed at Deep Water Basin in the sound.

Earlier today, Environment Southland issued a media release saying no signs of contamination had been found, but the situation has now changed.

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Environment Southland harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said there is now evidence of small amounts of diesel, oil or other contaminants leaking into the water after the boat partially sank this morning.

The boat was an ex-fishing boat that was being used for accommodation.

A harbour boom has been put in place to contain the spill.

There are minimal amounts of oil on board, and a team is working with insurers to raise and remove the boat from the water, Environment Southland's second media release says.

The former fishing boat has sunk at its berth in Deep Water Basin. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/ENVIRONMENT SOUTHLAND

The fire started in the early hours of today (Monday, 14 September).

“The team in Milford leapt into action as soon as the boat showed signs of an oil spill. At this stage, there is a very small amount of contamination visible on the surface.

“We will continue to be in close contact with those on the ground in Milford as the situation develops,” Mr Cleaver said.

All relevant agencies have been notified including Maritime New Zealand, Fiordland Marine Guardians and DOC.

Environment Southland's first media release confirmed the fire had been put out and there was, at that time, no evidence of diesel, oil or other contaminants leaking into the water.

However, the regional council did note an environmental risk remained until the steel-hulled boat could be made watertight.

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Poor weather conditions meant help couldn’t initially be flown in and the road was closed due to an avalanche risk.

Milford Sound Tourism has oil spill equipment and was on standby during the fire.

“The people in Milford did an excellent job putting out the fire and looking after the situation with no external help,” Mr Cleaver said.

The Milford Sound Fire Brigade was assisted by local fishermen in fighting the blaze.

Fire and Emergency received a call shortly after 4am.

Te Anau firefighters had to be flown in by helicopter about 6am because of road slips and avalanche risks.

Te Anau chief fire officer Graeme "Possum" Moffatt said four Te Anau firefighters and a limited amount of gear, including breathing apparatus and life jackets, were flown into Milford to help the local team.

The boat had "pretty much burned out'' by the time they arrived, he said.

There was no-one on board the boat and no injuries, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.