Spain has defended its warship's actions (Image: GETTY)
Madrid stated they left the area after being contacted by the Spanish warship. Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said a Spanish navy ship named Tornado was policing the area on Sunday in what he said was a standard procedure. Mr Borrell told reporters in Brussels, “The Tornado called three commercial ships that were breaking maritime security law in Spanish territorial waters by standing still”
Mr Borrell added: “Those ships responded to the requests of the Tornado and abandoned the area.”
But, the Gibraltar government differs from this interpretation of events.
They have indicated the Spanish warship tried to order commercial shipping to leave anchorages in British waters near the Rock on Sunday but was challenged by the British Royal Navy and sailed away.
Neither side mentioned the nationality of the commercial ships.