On the 28th March 2025 at approximately 23:50hrs, HMC Searcher whilst out on patrol responded to a call from Windmill Hill Signal Station of a large suspect RHIB which had been spotted on the east side near the Catalan Bay reclamation area. 

HMC Searcher proceeded towards the area at speed and when rounding Europa Point received an update confirming that the suspect RHIB had made its way to the groyne at Catalan Bay. HMC Searcher immediately informed the Outfield Station who also deployed Officers towards the area.

At around 23:58hrs, HMC Searcher located the suspect vessel and engaged in a high-speed blue light run in pursuit of the suspect vessel, which was transporting a large shipment of petrol out of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.

Simultaneously, HM Customs Officers on duty at the Outfield Station immediately carried out a search of the Catalan Bay reclamation area and found a male hiding. The individual, who was not carrying any identification, was dressed in waterproof clothing and had a strong smell of petrol. Outfield Officers suspected that he had disembarked from the RHIB. The individual was then taken to Four Corners station for a search and subsequently handed over to the Royal Gibraltar Police for further investigation.

HMC Searcher is a Customs vessel dedicated to patrolling and ensuring maritime security in and around Gibraltar. Recently, the vessel was refitted with new high-performance engines, improving its speed and operational capabilities. This upgrade ensures HMC Searcher remains a reliable and effective asset in maintaining the security of Gibraltar’s waters.