Lifeboats and a helicopter from RAF Wattisham were scrambled after Coastguards were alerted of a collision involving two motor cruisers in the Dover Strait.

Dover Coastguard called on the Dover and Walmer RNLI lifeboats to launch and the rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham to divert from a training exercise.

The French Coastguard also sent the Calais and Boulogne lifeboats to assist.

The two motorcruisers, Maid of Unst with two people on board and Sabreur with four people onboard were travelling back from Boulogne to Dover when the collision happened.

A conversation about the collision was heard on channel 16 by the Coastguard at just after 6.00 pm. The two vessels were in the north-east lane of the Dover Strait at the time, 11 miles from Dover Harbour.

After speaking to the Coastguard, the crew of the Sabreur put on their lifejackets and launched their liferaft. Two of the crew took to the liferaft whilst the other two remained onboard their vessel attempting to salvage it.

The Walmer Lifeboat escorts the Maid of Unst into Dover Harbour   Photo: Max Hess

When the helicopter and lifeboats arrived on scene, a decision was made to airlift three of the four crew of the Sabreur to Dover Coastguard. The skipper remained onboard his vessel, and pumps were put on board in an attempt to salvage the vessel. Sabreur was under tow by Dover lifeboat into Dover.

The Sabreur being brought ashore in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) near Aycliff, to the west of Dover   Photo Max Hess

The Maid of Unst sustained less serious damage and was escorted back into Dover by the Walmer Lifeboat with one lifeboat member onboard.

Sarah Bray, Dover Coastguard Watch Manager said: "All of the six crew members are safe and well and there were no injuries.

"Following a serious incident such as this we would encourage skippers to make a mayday broadcast as soon as they can. Seconds can be lifesavers. We would also encourage all recreational boaters to wear correctly fitted well maintained lifejackets at all times whilst on deck."

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©