Explosives carrying vessel in Gibraltar

A CARGO vessel loaded with explosives docked in Gibraltar. The Danish-flag ‘Danica Brown’ experienced main engine problems approximately 320km off Gibraltar and had to be towed to the British dependent territory at the western entrance to the Mediterranean. It was berthed in GibDock repair yard in the port of Gibraltar.

Following an inspection by the fire brigade the ship was ordered to be towed out to the eastside anchorage away from the town area.

“It was carrying a mix of ammunition, including bombs and small arms.

The explosives were loaded in the UK for Jeddah (Saudi Arabia),” according to a Gibraltar port spokesman.

Although spares arrived, the ship was not repaired in Gibraltar, instead it was towed into the Mediterranean “to an undisclosed destination,” said an official source.

However, a vessel tracking system reported that the ship seemed to have made an about-turn and was being towed towards the Strait of Gibraltar, Panorama reported.

On its way to the Mediterranean from the UK, Danica Brown also called at Cherbourg and was scheduled to call at Algiers.

By Nicole Hallett