Governor and Chief Minister briefed on collision incident

Gibraltar’s new Governor, Lieutenant General Edward Davis, yesterday praised local law enforcement officers for the tough work they carry out in British Gibraltar territorial waters.

The message was echoed by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo as the two men visited the Royal Gibraltar Police marine base and spoke to officers involved in the dramatic collision with smugglers last Sunday.

Dressed in his Royal Marine Commando fatigues, the Governor and Mr Picardo were shown the engine that was damaged when smugglers rammed the police interceptor vessel Sir John Chapple.

The incident has prompted the RGP to conduct a review of the rule of engagement for its officers at sea.

“They do a great job in very difficult circumstances,” Lt Gen Davis told reporters.

Mr Picardo echoed the sentiment.

“There is still the need for courage, professionalism and high quality seamanship,” the Chief Minister said.

“I congratulate the officers of the RGP Marine Section for displaying all these qualities in the difficult and dangerous circumstances in which they regularly find themselves.”

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