 A minor collision ensued and the "Fittleton" moved forward to try and exit the situation but instead was hit amidships by the bow of the much larger "Mermaid" and turned over within a minute.Thirty-two survivors were picked from the sea and the upturned hull by the accompanying ships, and German and Dutch vessels joined Royal Navy ships in searching for survivors, with divers entering the floating upturned hull.Attempts to keep "Fittleton" afloat by passing minesweeping cables underneath her propellor shafts failed when the lines parted.