Dover Coastguard was informed at just after 12:30 a.m. on 2 January 2001 that a collision had taken place in the English Channel, some 6 miles south of Dover.

The Panamanian flagged general cargo vessel `Star Maria' which was en route from Grimsby to Turkey and carrying steel products, reported that their vessel had been hit in the stern by a Dutch cargo vessel 'Unden' carrying timber.

The crew of the `Star Maria' reported damage to their vessel's rudder and that she was taking in water. She also reported that she had stopped in the water and required assistance. The Dutch vessel also reported she had stopped and had carried out an initial survey and had found no serious damage.

Dover Coastguard immediately began relaying a mayday broadcast into the area seeking assistance and a further merchant vessel `Meonia' which had been sailing from Dover harbour began heading for the scene. Dover lifeboat was also launched and a rescue helicopter R125 from RAF Wattisham was scrambled to the scene. The P&O ferry `Aquitaine' also alerted the Coastguard that she was heading for the area after hearing the mayday relay.

Trevor Dowle, Operations Manager at Dover Coastguard said, " The situation has now stabilised and there appears no immediate risk to the vessel which is carrying 8 crew. The `Unden' has 9
personnel on board. We have sent the Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel `Far Turbot' to the scene from her standby position in Margate Roads and she will arrive on scene around 3.00 a.m. this morning.

" Fortunately no injuries have been reported to crew on either vessel and between the lifeboat and helicopter will take any non-essential personnel off if necessary. The helicopter is also carrying a
submersible pump out to those on board the `Star Maria'. The weather locally is southerly force 7 winds at about 30 knots; good visibility and a moderate to rough sea. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch will be informed as a matter of course later today about the accident."

Update: Both stricken ships are being towed into Dover by the coastguard tug Far Turbot.