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The Royal Navy has been involved in a stand-off with Spanish fisherman in the latest spat in Gibraltar.
A Spanish flotilla made an illegal incursion into British waters to protest about a new reef that they say restricts their fishing rights.
The 38 fishing boats and some pleasure craft were herded back into Spanish waters by Royal Gibraltar Police and the navy.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW SLIDESHOW
Gibraltar stand-off
(01 of34)
Fishermen on their fishing boats try to reach Gibraltar as British and Spanish patrol boats, right, block their access during a protest near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
(02 of34)
Fishermen on their fishing boats try to reach Gibraltar as British and Spanish patrol boats, left, block their access during a protest near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
(03 of34)
Fishermen on their fishing boats try to reach Gibraltar as British and Spanish patrol boats, unseen, block their access during a protest near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
(04 of34)
British patrol boats, left and right, block access as a fisherman on his fishing boat, center, protests near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
(05 of34)
British, left, and Spanish, center, patrol boats block access as fishermen on their fishing boat, right, protest near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
(06 of34)
Fishermen on their fishing boats try to reach Gibraltar as British and Spanish patrol boats, unseen, block their access during a protest near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting against the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
(07 of34)
A British patrol boat, left, blocks access as fishermen, right, protest near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting against the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
(08 of34)
A British patrol boat, right, and a Spanish patrol boat, center, block access to Gibraltar as fishermen on their fishing boats, left, protest near to La Linea de la Concepcion in front of Gibraltar, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats are protesting against the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar, which has also soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen say the reef of around 70 concrete blocks, some with steel rods protruding, can snare their nets. (AP Photo/Laura Leon) (credit:AP)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(09 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A Gibraltar police boat (C) patrols the water near Spanish fishing boats during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(10 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A Gibraltar police boat (L) approaches a Spanish fishing boat during a protest by Spanish fishermen near to an artificial reef in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-ROTA-POLITICS(11 of34)
The HMS Illustrious invincible-class light aircraft carriers of the British Royal Navy docks in the Naval Base of Rota on August 18, 2013 at a time of heightened tensions over Gibraltar, a rocky outpost on the southern coast of Spain. Defence officials said the training exercise has long been planned and follows similar deployments in 2011 and 2012, but it comes during a diplomatic spat between that erupted when the Spanish introduced additional checks at the border of Gibraltar in retaliation to Gibraltar's decision to drop concrete blocks in waters surrounding the tiny British outpost. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(12 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A Gibraltar police boat (L) and a Spanish Guardia Civil boat (R) patrol the water during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(13 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A Gibraltar police boat patrols the water during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(14 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: Spanish fishing boats gather on the water during a protest in the sea near Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(15 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A Gibraltar police boat (2nd L) and a Spanish Guardia Civil boat (2nd R) approach Spanish fishing boats during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(16 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A Gibraltar police boat (L) approaches a Spanish fishing boat during a protest by Spanish fishermen near to an artificial reef in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-ROTA-POLITICS(17 of34)
Me fish as tthe HMS Illustrious invincible-class light aircraft carriers of the British Royal Navy docks in the Naval Base of Rota on August 18, 2013 at a time of heightened tensions over Gibraltar, a rocky outpost on the southern coast of Spain. Defence officials said the training exercise has long been planned and follows similar deployments in 2011 and 2012, but it comes during a diplomatic spat between that erupted when the Spanish introduced additional checks at the border of Gibraltar in retaliation to Gibraltar's decision to drop concrete blocks in waters surrounding the tiny British outpost. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(18 of34)
Vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police prevent Spanish fishermen from entering waters around the Rock of Gibraltar during protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(19 of34)
Vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police prevent Spanish fishermen from entering waters around the Rock of Gibraltar during protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(20 of34)
Supporters of Gibraltar's authorities, one of them waving a flag of Gibraltar, protest from the coast as Spanish fishermen protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(21 of34)
Vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police prevent Spanish fishermen from entering waters around the Rock of Gibraltar during protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(22 of34)
Vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police surround Spanish fishermen as they protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(23 of34)
Vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police prevent Spanish fishermen from entering waters around the Rock of Gibraltar during protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(24 of34)
Vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police surround Spanish fishermen as they protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(25 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A British Royal Navy vessel and a Spanish Guardia Civil boat patrol the water during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(26 of34)
Vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police surround Spanish fishermen as they protest in the bay of Algeciras, near the Rock of Gibraltar, on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(27 of34)
A man wearing a shirt with a Spanish flag looks on as vessels of the Guardia Civil and Gibraltar police surround Spanish fishermen during protest in the bay of Algeciras, near the Rock of Gibraltar, on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(28 of34)
A vessel of the Guardia Civil prevent Spanish fishermen from entering waters around the Rock of Gibraltar during protest in the bay of Algeciras on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(29 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: President of the local Fishermen's Union, Leoncio Fernadez's (C) boat sails during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border while a plane is landing on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(30 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: President of the local Fishermen's Union, Leoncio Fernandez's boat (C) sails on the water surrounded by Gibraltar police and Spanish Guardia Civils boats during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border while a plane is landing on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(31 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A British Royal Navy vessel approaches a Spanish fishing boat during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SPAIN-BRITAIN-GIBRALTAR-DIPLOMACY-PROTEST-FISHING(32 of34)
A Spanish fisherman holds a Spanish flag during a protest in the bay of Algeciras, near the Rock of Gibraltar, on August 18, 2013. A Spanish protest fleet of 38 fishing boats sailed towards Gibraltar today to demand the British outpost remove 70 concrete blocks it has dropped in their fishing grounds. British naval and Gibraltar police patrols blocked the Spanish boats from entering disputed waters around the concrete reef, which has sparked an angry row between London and Madrid. AFP PHOTO / MARCOS MORENO (Photo credit should read MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(33 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A British Royal Navy vessel (L) and a Gibraltar police boat patrol the water during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spanish Fishermen Stage Protest In Disputed Waters Near Artificial Reef(34 of34)
GIBRALTAR - AUGUST 18: A Gibraltar police boat, Spanish Guardia Civil boat and Spanish fishing boats sail during a protest by Spanish fishermen in the sea near the Spain/Gibraltar border on August 18, 2013 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. Spanish fishermen held a protest over the Gibraltar government's decision to drop concrete blocks in to the sea to create an artificial reef, which they claim has a negative impact on their ability to fish in the area. British Prime Minister David Cameron has urged the European Commission to investigate the increase in Spain's security checks at their border with Gibraltar, claiming that they contravene EU rules on the right of free movement. The Spanish Government claims that the tightened measures are intended to tackle smuggling. British Royal Navy warships are due to stop over in Gibraltar ahead of planned military exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The reef is at the centre of a diplomatic row between Britain and Spain, which has seen Madrid introduce additional checks at the border in protest, leaving workers and tourists facing queues of up to five hours to get through
Chief Inspector Castle Yates, of the Royal Gibraltar Police, said the boats met in Spanish waters and, despite efforts by British boats to stop them, crossed into Gibraltan waters before being "pushed" out again.
"At around 9am about 38 Spanish fishing boats and seven or eight pleasure craft converged in the area of the western anchorage," he said.
"We had our own police cordon along with Royal Navy and other assets and we corralled them in the area of the south mole.
"They tried to breach the cordon several times but they were not successful."
He said the boats left Gibraltan waters at around 11am.
He added that police had been aware of the planned protest since Friday and it had passed peacefully, with no arrests.
The floating protest was also met by Spanish Guardia Civil boats, which warned them not to sail too close to the British territory's reef.
The Spaniards, who set out from the Campo de Gibraltar in the country's south, claim the reef restricts their right to fish.
Spain believes Gibraltar's dropping of concrete blocks to the sea floor creating an artificial reef was done to disrupt their fishing fleet.
Gibraltar says it was necessary to protect local fish stocks.
A diplomatic spat between Britain and Spain erupted when the Spaniards introduced additional checks at the border, suggesting that a 50 euro (£43.30) fee could be imposed on every vehicle entering or leaving Gibraltar through its fenced border with Spain.
On Friday Prime Minister David Cameron raised the imposition of the extra checks with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.
In a telephone call, he underlined Britain's belief that the checks were "politically motivated and disproportionate" and therefore contrary to the EU right of free movement.
Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar's chief minister, thanked the British authorities for their help on Sunday.
Picardo, who has reportedly received death threats and been targeted by Spanish internet trolls, wrote on Twitter: "Big thank you also to Royal Navy, Gib Defence Police, HM Customs and Port Authority for their deployment too.
"Cool, professional and calm!"