The Governor of Gibraltar Sir James Dutton will be protesting the latest incursion of a Spanish customs vessel in Gibraltar waters on Saturday afternoon with the Spanish Government. 

Sir James said: "As Governor I am very concerned by the incursion by a Spanish customs vessel into British Gibraltar waters on Saturday. The irresponsible actions and dangerous manoeuvring of the vessel just metres from the shoreline and within the vicinity of a popular bathing area were not only unlawful but also presented a significant risk to the safety of the public. Under no circumstances should Spanish vessels be provoking a situation that could result in serious injury or a fatality.

"I call on the Spanish authorities to acknowledge the gravity of the actions of the crew of the Aguila IV, which endangered the lives of innocent individuals, and to take all necessary steps to ensure that there is no repeat of this incident."

"The UK Government and HM Government of Gibraltar believe that there should be cooperation between the respective agencies in and around the Strait of Gibraltar, including on law enforcement and maritime safety. The repeated incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters are unlawful under the international law of the sea and are an unacceptable violation of UK sovereignty.

"Notwithstanding this, the United Kingdom’s sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters is not affected by such violations. We will be protesting this latest incursion directly with the Spanish Government."

{fcomment}