Protest planned against UK sub

Gibraltar - a rock of contention between Britain and Spain

GIBRALTAR, Gibraltar -- A protest march is planned against a British nuclear submarine that has been moored in Gibraltar harbour since last May awaiting the completion of repairs.

The submarine Tireless developed a leak in the cooling system of its nuclear reactor while on duty in the Mediterranean.

A string of protests against the submarine have been held since Tireless limped into Gibraltar. Environmentalists, Spanish opposition politicians and local residents have demanded the submarine be taken back to Britain for repairs.

But Britain's Ministry of Defence has refused, saying it would be risky to move the Trafalgar-class submarine, which is capable of firing Tomahawk missiles.

The British, Gibraltar and Spanish governments have all given assurances that the sub poses no threat to public safety.

The case has rekindled friction between London and Madrid over Gibraltar, a tiny but disputed colony of about 30,000 people. Spain seeks to regain sovereignty over Gibraltar, which was signed over to Britain nearly 300 years ago.

The main repairs to the sub, which involve soldering in a replacement for a piece that developed cracks, were due to begin any day.

Last Tuesday police in Gibraltar arrested seven Greenpeace activists after they encircled the disabled submarine in a protest.

Thousands protest over stranded UK sub
November 25, 2000
Spanish inspect stranded British N-sub
November 4, 2000
Britain recalls nuclear subs in safety alert
October 21, 2000

Royal Navy

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.