Concrete get away in Gibraltar

MEMBERS from the Spanish nationalist group DANAES attempted to ‘siphon’ away concrete blocks submerged off Gibraltar.

In a joint operation between Spanish fisherman and divers affiliated to the Spanish patriot group, they were trying to remove an artificial reef placed by Gibraltar authorities, which they claim could damage nets and affect the fishermen’s livelihoods.

Under the orders of Gibraltar’s First Minister Fabian Picardo, more than 70 concrete blocks were dumped in the disputed waters in August last year to create an artificial breeding ground for fish.

But Spanish fishermen say it was an attempt to stop them working ‘traditional’ waters.

A truck hired by the nationalist group had been waiting in the port of San Roque, Cadiz, and was prepared to tow away the concrete block once the cargo hit the coast, but they were caught by the Spanish Guardia Civil before completing the stunt.

Several members involved are been held responsible by the Spanish authorities and Maritime Security for threatening the fragile relationship between Spain and the UK, while the accused refused to return a concrete block they had ‘acquired’.  A spokesman said: “If it is necessary, we will chain ourselves to the concrete block. The organisation DENAES does not deny anything, but all we have done is take some debris from the Spanish sea.”

If matters escalate, this will be the fifth time since 2011 that Spain’s ambassador has been called in to explain his country’s actions in rows about Gibraltar.