ULTIMATE PREDATOR

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Spanish SVA boards port tender vessel inside Gibraltar waters

Officers from a Spanish SVA vessel boarded the 'Ultimate Predator' on Aug 15, 2023, at 10.30 p.m. within Gibraltar waters, and restrained a member of its crew, after a chase which also took place within Gibraltar waters. The "Ultimate Predator", a UK flagged vessel which has been assisting the Port in the oil spill clean up in recent days, had been travelling without navigational lights and without its Automatic Identification System flagging its location, arousing Customs suspicion. Customs were satisfied that while the vessel was carrying out a legitimate crew transfer, its systems had malfunctioned. But the Spanish Servicio de Vigilancia Aduanera vessel 'Aguila 2' chased the 'Ultimate Predator'.The UK vessel was boarded by crew from the SVA vessel, and one of the crew was physically restrained by an SVA officer. Gibraltar Customs also boarded the Ultimate Predator vessel, and a discussion began. After half an hour, the SVA officers withdrew, and the 'Aguila 2' left Gibraltar waters. Gibraltar customs officers, and then the Defence Police, also boarded the vessel to assist its crew. After half an hour, the SVA officers withdrew. The Gibraltar Government has condemned the incident, describing it as 'illegal executive action'. The UK Government will be making a formal protest to Madrid. Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said the Spanish crew's actions were illegal and unacceptable, and that the Spanish officers in question have potentially committed offences against Gibraltar law, adding that the matter must be forcefully raised with Spain. Report with photo and video: https://www.gbc.gi/news/spanish-sva-boards-port-tender-vessel-inside-gibraltar-waters