On Tuesday 14th August 2018, the Gibraltar Port Authority was informed by the Royal Gibraltar Police that a call had been received from a small vessel in distress with three persons on board, and with exact position unknown.

A Search and Rescue operation was subsequently carried out, with the participation of various enforcement agencies including RGP, Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP), HM Customs and Ministry of Defence (MoD) maritime assets, coordinated by Gibraltar Port Authority.

Spanish counterparts were also informed of the situation who in turn deployed their rescue helicopter.

Following an exhaustive search at sea, operations were called off just before 9pm with no vessel or persons located.

Manuel Tirado, CEO and Captain of the Port (Acting) said he would like to highlight the excellent cooperation of all the agencies involved in this operation and wished to thank all those who took part.