The Royal Gibraltar Police is aware of press reports concerning a diplomatic protest lodged by the Spanish Government, in relation to an encounter between RGP & Guardia Civil vessels within British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW), said to have occurred on Friday 8th July 2016 approximately 1 mile off Catalan Bay.
The RGP denies the version of events as described, with the encounter occurring approximately 150 metres off Catalan Bay on the day in question. At the time, the RGP vessel approached the Guardia Civil vessel and maintained a safe distance at all times whilst attempting to make contact with the crew of establishing their intentions.
As is standard operating procedure, all encounters between RGP and Spanish Law Enforcement vessels are reported through the appropriate channels.
