UK nuclear sub leaves Gibraltar

Gibraltar: Tireless has left the colony and is believed to be heading to the UK

MADRID, Spain -- A stricken UK nuclear submarine stranded in Gibraltar for nearly a year has set sail from the British colony.

The docking of HMS Tireless in Gibraltar strained relations between London and Madrid, and prompted street protests demanding the immediate removal of the craft amid fears for public safety.

The stricken submarine docked in Gibraltar last May after developing a leak in the cooling system of its nuclear reactor.

Royal Navy patrol vessels escorted the HMS Tireless from the port in Gibraltar after lengthy work on its nuclear reactor, Reuters reported.

Officials declined to reveal the submarine's destination but it was widely believed to be headed for a UK port.

The British, Gibraltar and Spanish governments all gave assurances that the craft posed no threat to public safety while docked in Gibraltar.

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

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Royal Navy
Gibraltar

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