The Royal Gibraltar Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident at sea off the western side of the Gibraltar airport runway this evening.

At about 2218 hours tonight (10 April) several members of the public contacted the 999 emergency line and reported that a Guardia Civil vessel had struck the light fixtures (runway approach lights), off the western end of the airport runway, and that the vessel was now sinking. 

The reports suggested that the collision had occurred moments after the GC vessel had pursued a number of rigid hull inflatable vessels in the area, which had fled the scene. 

Reports also suggested that prior to the collision, sounds resembling the discharge of a firearm at sea had also been heard.

Whilst personnel responded to the scene from land, and a number of Gibraltar maritime assets deployed, the vessels involved in the incident left the area towards Spain.

The Captain of the Port and Commissioner of Police have contacted their respective counterparts in relation to the incident. 

No injuries have been reported. Enquiries are ongoing.