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Date Published: 18/04/2022

ARCHIVED - Spanish Government and environmentalists up-in-arms over GB nuclear submarine stopover in Gibraltar

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

A US nuclear submarine also arrived in Gibraltar last week

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Spanish Government and environmentalists up-in-arms over GB nuclear submarine stopover in Gibraltar

Tension is running high over the arrival of a second nuclear submarine at the Gibraltar naval base on Sunday April 17, prompting a diplomatic complaint by the Spanish Foreign Ministry and a formal complaint by the Verdemar conservation group Ecologistas en Acción (Ecologists in Action).

The latest arrival, the HMS Audacious of the British Astute class, joins the Ohio-class USS Georgio which docked in the bay of Algeciras on Wednesday April 13.

The Spanish Foreign Ministry made a diplomatic complaint to the US when the American nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine arrived in Gibraltar, and reportedly questioned the choice of the naval base, citing Rota in Cádiz as an alternative offering similar facilities.

The central government has also called for maximum security measures with guarantees to safeguard locals and the environment.

And following Sunday's latest arrival, Verdemar has formally denounced the docking of the nuclear vessel, warning in a statement: "These submarines are real floating bombs and put our families and our environment at risk. We do not accept submarine operations in the Mediterranean, we are committed to denouncing these entries in all countries bordering the Mediterranean".

According to the environmental group, since the HMS Tireless was repaired just over a decade ago, more than 100 nuclear-powered submarines have passed through Gibraltar.

And whilst maintenance on nuclear propulsion systems is prohibited on the Rock, the naval base allows for minor repairs, operational recuperation, material re-supply and personnel changeovers.

Also read: Gibraltar to offer fourth oses of Covid vaccine to everyone

Image: Royal Navy

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