18.05.2012
At least 10 Spanish fishing boats arrived from the direction of Algeciras last night accompanied by a Guardia Civil Launch, they positioned themselves a short distance off the Detached Mole between 250 to 300 metres and commenced fishing, rolling out drag nets and going through the normal routine practised by these people, all of which is not allowed by Gibraltar laws.
On this side of the bay two marine units from the Royal Gibraltar Police and Gibraltar Defence Police were clearly waiting, they remained at a distance from the fishermen, although were seen to get close to some of these boats where eye witnesses suggest that words were exchanged between the police and some of the fishermen.
The anticipated arrival of the Spanish fishermen caused great interest in Gibraltar where local social networking sites were buzzing with activity. Emotions were running high.
Members of the local fishing fraternity were also prepared and at least two or three fishermen went out on local boats as observers, although armed with equipment to record events out in the bay. Panorama was in ‘constant contact’ with one of these local boats that relayed information to our reporter as it happened regarding the ensuing activity.
There was also a sizeable number of people who left their homes with cameras and video equipment and made their way to vantage points overlooking the bay so as to get a better view of events; one place was the area of Europa Rd opposite the old casino.
Reports coming in said that the RGP and GDP launches were patrolling up and down the area were the fishing was taking place, but appeared somewhat overwhelmed due the amount of fishing boats that had arrived (we were told) and with the Guardia Civil acting as minder of the Spanish boats, the local enforcement agencies appeared to be deploying a non-confrontational stance!
Whilst the net fishing activity increased, emotions on Facebook and those posting comments out in the field around the Rock increased substantially.
As local emotions got even higher there were calls for a large demonstration to be organised, and for Gibraltarians to unite and put aside party politics and for the British Government to intervene!
At about midnight, reports came in that a Gib Squadron launch had arrived on the scene and had approached the Guardia Civil warning the Spanish crew that they should leave.
A short time after, it was seen that the Guardia Civil also appeared to be telling the Spanish fishermen to up nets or whatever they were doing, and leave the area., which shortly at about 0015 they did and headed back towards Algeciras.
The fact is that the Spanish were allowed to fish contrary to Gibraltar laws, and the local enforcement agencies, the police and the Gibraltar Squadron, did not intervene.
So, questions are being asked as to who is protecting Gibraltar territorial waters…....
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Separate Article - 'Panorama' 18-05-12
Gibraltar and the UK must get their heads together again (if that is not already happening) as the situation out in the waters can easily get ugly, particularly with gun-packing Spanish enforcement agencies brained-washed about what their position is and what they should be doing.
Spain cannot be allowed to think it can bulldoze its way into Gibraltar and exert its unlawful authority over the Jurisdictional and Sovereign Control of the local authority and representative bodies of Her Majesty’s Forces.
Gibraltar (this if matters deteriorate further) must express its utter disgust and dissatisfaction, because in 2012 ‘WE CANNOT BE BULLIED’
