Poor communication and confusion over manoeuvres led to a crash between an oil tanker and cargo ship, investigators found.

The bulk carrier Huayang Endeavour and the tanker Seafrontier, carrying nearly 38,000 tonnes of fuel, collided in the English Channel, 15 miles north east of Dover just after 3am on July 1 last year.

A report just released by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch said overtiredness in the tanker's captain would have contributed to the accident.

The report, published yesterday, concluded: "The conversation between Huayang Endeavour and Seafrontier was confusing and resulted in the two bridge teams developing conflicting plans while believing that they understood the intentions of the other."

The investigators added: "Seafrontier's master had been present on the bridge for over 14 hours and was probably suffering from fatigue, which was likely to have had an adverse effect on his decision making."

The accident on the Dover Strait happened when Huayang Endeavour was trying to overtake Seafrontier.

Seafrontier in its manoeuvres also had to avoid hitting another ship near by, Donau Express II.

The report said that the two bridge teams held conflicting views as to what had been agreed regarding the manoeuvre.

Subsequently Seafrontier's team did not check for sea room astern before altering course.

The investigators, from the UK Department of Transport, commented: "The language used has not precise or clear and it did not result in a shared plan."

Both vessels were damaged but were able to sail to nearby ports to be checked.

Huayang Endeavour was found to have had its starboard bow holed in several places and was dented.

Seafrontier had significant damage to its port accommodation block structure.

Her port external stairways were removed and the rescue boat on that side was destroyed.

The accident did not result in any injuries or pollution.

Seafrontier had been sailing from Antwerp to Nigeria and and Huayang Endeavour from Amsterdam to Colombia.

Both ships are Hong Kong registered.

On the day of the collision Huayang Endeavour had a Chinese crew of 22 and Seafrontier 27 Indian nationals working.

The two sides were able to communicate in English.

The owners of both ships had also investigated and amended procedures to the extent that the MIAB felt it did not have to make any recommendations.