Spanish skipper charged on four counts

Receiving summons at sea
(Photo: chronicle.gi)

GIBRALTAR Tensions are getting higher in the dispute over fishing rights in the waters surrounding the Rock. The skipper of the Divina Providencia, Francisco Gómez, received was handed documents on Tuesday requiring him to appear at the courts in Gibraltar on September 21, as he was fishing for sardines in the disputed waters. But as they were in English, he was not clear about what he is being charged with. Speculation among the fishing fraternity is that if he does not present himself, he will be arrested after the court date, which would create a precedent regarding jurisdiction.  Another two boats were out fishing at the same time in the same area but they did not receive any court summons, according to sources.