As the latest protest by Spain over Gibraltar rumbles on, the 988gt/2011 built Spanish State Research Survey Vessel Ramon Margallef ventured into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters on 18th November and stayed carrying out a survey for some 20 hours.

At all times the vessel was escorted by the Gibraltar Squadron Royal Navy. On the afternoon of 19th November, when the Spanish Vessel was preparing to lower a probe, the Royal Navy intervened and prevented this action. Guardia Civil vessels attended but were prevented from intervening by the Royal Navy. As a result of this provocative situation the Spanish Ambassador in London was summoned by the British Government to explain the reasons.