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CNN Live At Daybreak

Royal Marines Accidentally Invade Spain

Aired February 19, 2002 - 05:45   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: In Britain today, there are some red-faced Royal Marines, and they may be heading back to the classroom to sharpen their map reading skills so they can find Gibraltar.

ITN's Phillip Ray Smith has the story of a misguided invasion exercise.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIP RAY SMITH, ITV NEWS (voice-over): This was the moment Royal Marines were forced to beat a hasty retreat, after they invaded Spain by mistake. They were caught on camera clamoring back on board landing crafts, after their exercise to secure a beachhead strayed off course. With a wave, they acknowledged that this time they'd got it wrong. Officials later confirmed that 20 Marines spent about five minutes on Spanish soil, some distance from their intended target. Not the finest hour for the Royal Navy's white ensign.

In fact, it was only when two local policemen pointed out they were in Spain, not Gibraltar, that they realized their error.

The detachment of Marines had come from HMS Ocean on its way to the Gulf. The men from 45 Commando based at Condor Barracks near Abroth in Scotland were carrying out training exercises during the voyage. And this was where they were meant to have landed, the Rock of Gibraltar.

The Ministry of Defense has described the event as "regrettable." In truth, it couldn't have come at a worse time. As delicate negotiations take place over the colony's future. Just two weeks ago, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw met his Spanish counterparts to discuss joint rule for Gibraltar.

It's been a disputed territory ever since the rock was ceded to Britain in 1713. Nevertheless, the Spanish moved quickly to spare Britain's blushes, accepting the near invasion as a genuine mistake.

Phillip Ray Smith, ITV News.

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