Authorities investigate ‘potentially very serious incident’ after incursion in port waters

Authorities in Gibraltar are investigating what No.6 Convent Place said could be “a very serious incident” on Friday evening believed to be linked to a Spanish incursion.

The operation remains ongoing and details remained sketchy as this article was published but the incident appears to have involved a Guardia Civil rigid-hulled inflatable vessel chasing a speedboat into Gibraltar’s harbour and trying to tow it away after the occupants abandoned it by the breakwater at the small boat marina.

The Guardia Civil vessel departed the scene once Gibraltar authorities intervened.

Images on social media showed the Spanish vessel towing the speedboat and Gibraltar law enforcement vessels later bringing it to the marine base after it was handed over by the Guardia Civil crew.

It was not immediately clear why the speedboat had been chased in the first place.

In a statement, No.6 said it had received reports and videos of the incursion into British waters by the Guardia Civil vessel.

“The incursion reported appears to involve the Guardia Civil vessel entering port waters and towing a small pleasure craft,” No.6 said in a short statement.

“The events reported to the Government suggest that a potentially very serious incident has occurred.”

“The Government and The Convent are working together with the law enforcement agencies and the port to determine the facts.”

“The situation is developing.”

The speedboat was seized and the Chronicle understands at least one person has been arrested by police in Gibraltar in connection with the incident.

Two other people arrested by Customs early in the incident were subsequently released.

No.6 said the Government would make a further statement once the exact nature of the events has been established.