New Governor and still no action on Spanish incursions in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters!
What is the point in having a Governor if nothing is ever done and we all know Governors have no power and are only a representative of Our Majesty?
In this day and age A Governor should have the the sincerity to state the truth - "Sorry Gibraltarians but the reality is my hands are tied by the pen pushers in the Foreign Office!"
But will one Governor ever be so honest? I doubt it very much. To be honest I had high hopes for Sir James Dutton but that failed big time.
Now I had hopes for our new Governor - but the delays to see a positive reaction on the incursions and dangers in our waters leaves a lot to be desired! Once again I truly believe we are just being ignored as a people on the dangers and security risk at sea. May our new Governor wake up to realisation of the truth of his position!
Lieutenant General Edward Davis -
You need to remember what your true role is here even if that makes you unpopular with
the FCO!
You Sir - The Governor serve as Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar's military forces and have sole responsibility for defence and security
So, the question has to be asked why are you doing nothing about the incursions that have been happening just for the few weeks you have been here? We are fed up of the constant paper protests that have never resulted in any solution!
A reminder of a few issues of what has happened during your watch:
- 11th February - Spanish Para Military 4th incursion off Europa Point
- 9th February - Smugglers ram into Police launch - you say you are happy with state of the art equipment.
- 4th February - Another Para-miliatry incurions - This is not a "serious incursion" according to the FCO
- 4th Feb ref incursion - you send a protest - words that blow and go with the wind!
- 3rd Feb - Unusual Algeciras Pilot Incursion - you referred this incident to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
- 22nd January Incursions by SPS Serviola & Aguila - Convent spokesperson said; "Incursions are a violation of sovereignty. However, they do not weaken or undermine the international legal basis for UK sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters."
- January and February - Continous illegal fishing activity by Spanish fishermen in our waters- nothing done!
Not a thing done about constant incursions
This is not a "serious incursion" according to the FCO
SVA Aguila IV INCURSION OFF EUROPA POINT
La Turbo got too close and lingered for too long off Europa Point today and despite the Navy RHIB presence and warnings from Navy Ops they still refused to budge. It was not until HMS Scimitar arrived and told them to leave did they comply.
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The Convent has launched an investigation into an incident earlier this week in which an Algeciras pilot vessel navigated a tanker out of Gibraltar waters and into Spanish waters, without permission.
A spokesperson declined to comment further at this stage but confirmed that the British government will be protesting the incident to the Spanish government.
The Port Authority has said the incursion was a blatant disregard for the navigational safety of vessels in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. GBC understands the Algeciras pilot vessel is likely to have breached EU law, as well as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, in several different ways.
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PRESS RELEASE
No: 42/2016
Date: 3rd February 2016
http://gibraltarpanorama.gi/15209/169804/a/now-incursion-by-algeciras-pilot-vessel
Unusual Algeciras Pilot Incursion
An ‘incursion’ into BGTW by an Algeciras pilot vessel took place just after midday on Wednesday
3rd February 2016.
The Algeciras pilot boat ‘Piloto’ was observed at 1225 hours entering BGTW by the Gibraltar Port
Authority Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) staff, heading towards a large tanker which had just
weighed anchor off the Western Arm.
The pilot boat continued towards the tanker without any request to Gibraltar VTS for permission
to enter BGTW and several minutes later the pilot boarded the vessel less than one mile from the
Western Arm despite instructions given to the master from Gibraltar VTS not to allow the
boarding.
The Algeciras pilot then proceeded to navigate the tanker out of BGTW, finally anchoring the
vessel to the north, in Spanish waters off El Campamento.
These ‘incursions’ by the Algeciras pilots are a fairly frequent occurrence.
However, in this
particular instance the action, deep into the western anchorage, with no communication with
Gibraltar Port Authority, was a blatant disregard for the navigational safety of vessels in BGTW.
Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has immediately referred this incident to the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office. The Government expects appropriate and proportionate action to be
taken urgently via the appropriate diplomatic channels.
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http://www.gbc.gi/news/incursions-sps-serviola-aguila-31377
Incursions by SPS Serviola & Aguila
The Convent will be protesting two incursions by Spanish State vessels into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters on Friday. The Spanish Navy Patrol Boat, the SPS Serviola, entered BGTW during the morning on the Eastside. In the afternoon there was also an incursion by a Spanish Customs launch, SVA Aguila, which was escorted by the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron. The Convent has confirmed it will be protesting to the Spanish authorities.
Convent spokesperson said; "Incursions are a violation of sovereignty. However, they do not weaken or undermine the international legal basis for UK sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters."
(Photos: Tommy Finlayson)
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http://chronicle.gi/2016/02/police-review-marine-operations-collision/
Police review marine operations after collision
- February 9, 2016
The Royal Gibraltar Police will bolster training and equipment for marine officers following Sunday’s dramatic collision between a police launch and a smuggler’s boat.
Police will conduct a review of their rules of engagement and will explore the purchase of new kit, potentially including ‘vessel arrest systems’ designed to snare propellers to bring vessels to a halt.
The review is focused on non-lethal equipment but the RGP said it had not ruled out the possibility of arming its marine officers.
“All options remain open,” a police spokesman told the Chronicle.
The review comes after RGP Marine Section officers were rammed by suspected drug smugglers during a chase on Sunday afternoon.
The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers out at sea.
“This is yet another reminder of the dangers that the officers of the Royal Gibraltar Police and other law enforcement agencies face on a daily basis whilst combating drug smuggling in the Straits of Gibraltar,” police Commissioner Eddie Yome said.
“I am grateful to the officers of the Marine Section for their bravery, professionalism and determination when attempting to intercept suspect vessels, in what are becoming all too frequent occurrences.”
“I am mindful that the safety of the officers must be a prime concern. I have asked for a review of our rules of engagement at sea. I have also asked for techniques to be researched and equipment to be considered, to assist in deterring and combating such actions and affording the officers the best possible means of protecting themselves.”
Inspector Albert Buhagiar, Head of the Marine Section, said in an interview with GBC that the smugglers would do anything to get away, including ramming police vessels and throwing projectiles at officers.
“They are out there to do one thing and that is drug trafficking,” he said.
He declined to be drawn by GBC on the nature of the review but said that the safety of both RGP officers and the smugglers themselves “is paramount”.
The latest incident unfolded shortly before 5pm as officers patrolled British Gibraltar Territorial Waters aboard the interceptor vessel Sir John Chapple.
The crew had earlier chased a 12 metre Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat [RHIB], with four occupants, out of Gibraltar waters.
Whilst stationary close to Europa Point they were alerted to the presence of two RHIBs about four miles off the eastern end of the runway.
Shortly after the crew were informed that one of the two vessels was now navigating slowly in a southerly direction and about three miles east off Eastern Beach.
The crew then proceeded north on an interception course. On nearing the suspect vessel the navigator of the RHIB carried out an evasive manoeuvre which culminated with a direct thrust at the police RHIB colliding with the stern and damaging one of the four engines.
The suspect RHIB was approximately 13 metres in length and was carrying four occupants. As a result of the collision they were able to escape into Spanish waters.
The RGP officers, operating their RHIB on three engines, then gave chase to the smaller second vessel which was further to the north and carrying six occupants. This vessel also escaped into Spanish waters.
Two of its occupants were later apprehended by the Spanish authorities once onshore.
The RGP officers then returned to base with their damaged RHIB escorted by a Gibraltar Defence Police RHIB which had deployed to assist.
GSD COMMENDS RGP
The GSD has commended the bravery of the marine officers whose vessel was rammed by suspected drug smugglers during a chase on Sunday.
The GSD, who echoed the words of the Commissioner of Police, Eddie Yome, added that it welcomed the fact that none of the officers sustained injuries.
“Incidents like these serve to highlight the dangers faced by our law enforcement officers, whether they be from the RGP the GDP or Customs, at sea, on a regular basis,” Trevor Hammond said on behalf of the GSD.
“Their courage in dealing with all such incidents is to be applauded, as is the excellent co-operation that clearly exists between the RGP and GDP marine sections. It is pleasing to note from reports that at least some of the smugglers involved in the incident were subsequently apprehended.”
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Police have ‘state of the art’ equipment to undertake dangerous work at sea
http://gibraltarpanorama.gi/15209/172435/a/police-have-state-of-the-art-equipment-to-undertake-dangerous-work-at-sea
February 10, 2016 | By Leo Olivero
They were given a first-hand comprehensive account of the incident by RGP crew members involved, and showed the damage caused to one of the engines. They also went on board the RGP interceptor vessel ‘Sir John Chapple’ involved in the incident. Both HE and the CM showed great interest and asked a number of questions, they congratulated the officers for the invaluable and dangerous work they perform.
Later, taking a few questions from the press at the end of the visit the Governor said he was impressed on how professional and courageous the crew involved in the incident were, adding they perform a ‘great job and was very proud of them’
Answering a Panorama question, on why the Royal Navy do not support the police in ‘drug related incidents in BGTW’ when the RN perform counter-drug and counter- terrorist operations in many other places except Gibraltar. The Governor replied, ‘Commander British Forces and the Police are constantly reviewing what the threat is and the forces are given according to the threat, and what you see in Gibraltar is a force structure of police law enforcement and military and navy vessels which is adequate for doing the job’
The Governor added, ‘the reason why RN vessels are used in counter narcotics operations elsewhere, is because we don’t’ have a Gibraltar in those places where the smaller vessels that you see here that the RGP and GDP have. The RN frigates that you see are providing the mother ship that the Rock of Gibraltar provides to the agencies of Gibraltar’
The Governor finally added that he was comfortable with the set up in Gibraltar although always looking out to improve it.
The Chief Minister said he was conscious of the dangers that officers endure every night, it has been an incident that has hit the headlines, although the public should not think this is something that happens once in a while, it is happening every single night. Gibraltar has to be alive to these situations that happen ever night and why the Government when it came into office in 2011soon purchased these new assets that the RGP now have which have been in operation for some time’. Government he added, ‘has also invested in their maintenance, and have in fact recently purchased four more large engines, which are on the way, and other smaller engines.
The CM added, ‘there needs to be constant investment, the assets the Police have now protects them more then what they use to have when the RGP in the past, were operating only with confiscated vessels from drug traffickers. Even with safer vessels, it doesn’t take away the dangers that crews are in,, the public has a debt of gratitude to thank the police for what they do in BGTW every single night’
Mr Picardo said that together with the police the Government discuss if equipment requires upgrading or additional assets purchased but this was something that is considered carefully with the Commissioner, the equipment is now state-of-the-art.
The Chief Minister was also happy regarding the cooperation that now exists between law enforcement agencies which wasn’t as positive not so long ago, and was pleased that he assisted in the improvement of that relationship, praising both the RGP Commissioner and GDP Chief Officer who made it happen.
On a question asked regarding ‘rules of engagement’ the CM said it was not an issue he had any qualification or expertise to bring into that discussion and that it was an issue for the Commissioner and his team.
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Continuous illegal fishing in our waters!
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http://www.gbc.gi/news/governor-chairs-first-gsc-meeting-31501
Governor chairs first GSC meeting
The Gibraltar Security Council has held its first meeting chaired by Governor Edward Davis since he took office last month. The Chief Minister and Commander of British Forces also attended this meeting along with senior members of their staff.
The GSC analysed the currect threat level and concluded that Gibraltar should remain at Substantial level. The response to this threat level will be reassessed on a regular basis.
The governor said that while there was no specific threat to the Rock it was important that we all remain vigilant and for the public to report anything they consider suspicious to the police.
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What about the protection of our Waters SIr?
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http://www.gbc.gi/news/governor-advocates-closer-cooperation-spain-sea-combat-drug-smuggling-31513
The Governor has said more co-ordination is neccessary with our Spanish and Moroccan counterparts if we are to avoid incidents like the one which saw a Marine Section RHIB rammed by suspected drug smugglers during a chase on Sunday afternoon. These comments were made when the new Governor and the Chief Minister visited the damaged Police vessel on Tuesday.
The Governor, Lieutenant General Edward Davis, and the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, made the trip to the Marine Base at Gun Wharf to get a first hand look at the RHIB which was damaged during the high-speed chase. Mr. Picardo congratulated the officers involved for their professionalism and courage when faced by the aggressive actions of smugglers.
The Governor, who arrived on the Rock a little over a fortnight ago, was keen to point out that the threat from drug smuggling needs to be countered with the relevant equipment and training. However, he believes current resources are acceptable.
While at the scene, the RGP were called into action as a suspected smuggling vessel was spotted crossing the Strait. The Police were quick to try and intercept the smugglers, sending out an RGP RHIB. This event only goes to further emphasise the frequency of this type of incursion and the dangers the RGP Marine Section face daily.
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How can you as Governor think we have the necessary equipment to tackle Smugglers, Spanish Para military and their NAVY? Do you know what our police have to defend themselves?
Below are some comments from others on Social Media:
At least they should be armed with baton shotgun or rubber bullets like the Guardia Civil have cos when a person is hit with one of these it leave a very big bruise that I am sure they won't be back as the message will get through that drugs cannot be transshipped through BGTW
Remember the RGP Marine crew are not supplied with any weapons other than a wooden baton, but it's high time they were issued with at least something more effective!
Gibraltar Authority ie the RGP marine Section have to put a stop to it even if the officers have to carry the Shotgun that fires Hard rubber Baton rounds like the Guardia Civil launch.
The RGP crew on-board the Gib patrolling vessels should be properly armed in the same manner RGP officers are armed outside the convent, airport, & elsewhere, those officers at at sea are unprotected, this time it was an incident with drug smugglers, next time could be a group of terrorist. Though at night you could not tell if they are carrying drugs, weapons, & explosives, even immigrants
But I guess until there is a death or a big incident you will do nothing as many before have done!
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A reminder to Your Excellency on facts:
Gibraltar logged 431 Spanish vessels' incursions into territorial waters
http://en.mercopress.com/2016/01/14/gibraltar-logged-431-spanish-vessels-incursions-into-territorial-waters
The number of unlawful incursions by Spanish state vessels into British Gibraltar territorial waters rose last year compared to 2014.
But the number of serious incidents tailed off in the final months of 2015 against the context of diplomatic efforts to increase cooperation at sea, according to a report published in the Gibraltar Chronicle.
Figures released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office show that a total of 431 incursions were logged by British officials last year.
That compares to 387 in 2014 but is significantly lower than the 486 incursions recorded in 2013, when tensions at sea were running high.
Figures released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in response to Chronicle questions show that a total of 431 incursions were logged by British officials last year.
That compares to 387 in 2014 but is significantly lower than the 486 incursions recorded in 2013, when tensions at sea were running high.
The total for last year was pushed up by an intense period between May and August, when over 40 incursions per month were logged.
It was during this time too that a number of serious incidents unfolded at sea, including one in which Spanish customs officers fired warning shots close to a local pleasure boat.
That incident was described as “outrageous” by the British and Gibraltar governments at the time and led to diplomatic efforts to defuse tension and focus instead on cooperation.
The Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron, together with the Royal Gibraltar Police, the Gibraltar Defence Police and HM Customs (Gibraltar), also stepped up their presence at sea as a deterrent.
Since then, officials said there had been “a noticeable decline” in the number of serious incursions.
Law enforcement agencies from both sides of the border have also cooperated in a number of anti-smuggling operations at sea.
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Your Excellency, for your Convent and FCO to come out with "Incursions are a violation of sovereignty. However, they do not weaken or undermine the international legal basis for UK sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters." is bar far the most ridiculous response ever! What the heck are these incursions succeeding if not to undermine British Soveriegnty on our very own waters! I am absolutely gob smacked to think that you think this is acceptable behaviour. IF this were to happen in The Falklands or by the French in Dover would you say the same? I doubt it very much indeed!
Time to wake up and stand up for Gibraltar in its entirety and that includes our waters!
Chairperson
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