Article Posted on : - Aug 20, 2013

Naval frigate HMS Westminster. A Royal Navy photo

GIBRALTAR (AP): A British navy warship has arrived in the disputed territory of Gibraltar, coinciding with a souring of relations between Madrid and London in a row over an artificial reef that Spain says affects its fishermen.

The HMS Westminster frigate docked at a British naval base on Monday and is in the area to take part in pre-planned naval exercises in the Mediterranean.

Its arrival came a day after fishermen in some 60 fishing boats protested the building of the reef.

The dispute has led to a spike in tensions, with Spain saying it will take all legal measures to defend its interests.

Spain ceded sovereignty of Gibraltar to Britain in 1713, but has persistently sought its return.