After spending over seven hours yesterday in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, the Spanish oceanographic survey vessel Ramon Margalef returned this morning closely followed by the Royal Navy.

Yesterday, despite numerous radio warnings from HMS Sabre, the Spanish vessel continued its operations replying that it was working with the permission of the Spanish authorities.

At some points yesterday, the vessel ventured just 100m off the South Mole.

(Pic shows HMS Scimitar following vessel at 09:00 courtesy Jason Grant)