Greenpeace activists today breached maritime security in Gibraltar by boarding the almost sunken bulk carrier New Flame, lying in British waters off the Rock.
Several activists were able to reach the vessel and place a yellow banner reading “Vertido Diplomatico” (Diplomatic Spill) on its bridge. Greenpeace is attacking Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities for failing to reduce oil spills in the Bay of Gibraltar, lambasting both administrations over their alleged inefficient management of shipping in the area. Its move comes as Spain, preparing for a general election on 9 March, is embroiled in a diplomatic row with the UK over the New Flame wreck. An industry observer comments that the Gibraltar government is the victim of dithering in Whitehall. The issue revolves around one recommendation from the Donaldson Report, commissioned after the Sea Empress oil spill in Milford Haven in 1996 that remains equivocal. Under the UK Merchant Shipping Act, if a shipwreck causes pollution in a port, port authorities must make all possible efforts to remove the wreck and make the area safe. But if more pollution is caused in the removal operation, the port authority could be prosecuted under environmental legislation.
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