Tri-Service
Spanish Incursion Into British Waters
A Royal Navy speedboat was struck by a heavy oceanographic probe as it tried to prevent a Spanish survey ship from taking readings in British waters off Gibraltar yesterday.
There were no injuries reported but the actions of the Spanish ship were described as “reckless and dangerous” and drew a rapid diplomatic protest from the British government.
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo called for a “clear and robust” response from Britain to avoid any further repetition, even as he warned that such incidents could increase over the summer and in the run-up to Spain’s general election.
The vessel – and others like it – has been here before in the past as part of Spain’s efforts to exert jurisdiction within a Spanish EU-designated nature site that overlaps into British waters.
"Fabian Picardo: It demonstrates an unforgivable lack of common decency"
Every time it enters, Royal Navy vessels in Gibraltar, together with other agencies, attend and prevent it from carrying out the research work, which is unlawful in British waters.
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