Britain complains to Spain over collision of police boats off Gibraltar in continuing spat

MADRID – Britain's government says it is complaining to Spain after a minor boat collision off Gibraltar, the latest incident in a spat over the disputed U.K. territory.

Britain's defense ministry says a Spanish police boat "maneuvered in a dangerous and provocative manner" near Royal Navy ships within Gibraltar's territorial waters and struck one of them Wednesday. The collision was "minor" and "no damage or injuries were sustained," according to a statement Friday.

It's a public holiday in Spain and government offices weren't answering repeated calls seeking comment.

Tension has grown after Gibraltar built an artificial reef that Spain says hurts its fishermen. Spain retaliated by beefing up border security, creating delays.

Spain ceded sovereignty of Gibraltar to Britain in 1713, but has persistently sought to regain the tiny southern territory.