Warships Head To Med Amid Gibraltar Tensions Three Royal Navy warships have set sail for the Mediterranean amid continued diplomatic tensions between Britain and Spain over Gibraltar. Vessels taking part in what defence officials stressed was a long-scheduled deployment include the country's flagship HMS Bulwark, helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious and frigate HMS Montrose. A fourth warship, the frigate HMS Westminster, will dock in the UK overseas territory for a routine visit for three days this month, while other ships in the task group are expected to go to Spanish ports. The operation codenamed Cougar 13 in the Mediterranean, the Adriatic and the Gulf is due to last around four months and will include a series of exercises as well as escort duties and counter-piracy operations. Four Royal Navy warships, the lead commando group from 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and elements of naval air squadrons will be supported by five vessels from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. HMS Westminster will visit Gibraltar for three days The diplomatic spat between the UK and Spain was triggered by the creation of an artificial reef by the Gibraltarian authorities which the Spanish claim will destroy fishing in the area. Madrid responded by beefing up border controls, leading to lengthy queues, and suggesting that a 50 euro (£43.30) fee could be imposed on every vehicle entering or leaving 'The Rock' through the fenced border with Spain. Reports in the Spanish media suggested that the diplomatic row could escalate to the United Nations, with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's government receiving support from Argentina. Spanish foreign minister Jose Garcia-Margallo is expected to propose that both countries present a "united front" over Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, the El Pais newspaper reported. There have been border delays amid the Gibraltar diplomatic row Mr Garcia-Margallo will sound out his Argentinian counterpart, Hector Timerman, during a meeting in Buenos Aires next month as he prepares for a "180-degree turn in policy towards the colony," the newspaper said. The Royal Gibraltar Police tweeted on Sunday that Guardia Civil checks had caused queues of up to two hours at the border, with Spanish officers checking "every car" going into the Rock. Spanish defence minister Pedro Morenes has meanwhile said that it is "totally normal" for British warships to dock in Gibraltar in what is a "routine visit," according to reports. Mr Morenes reportedly told the Europa Press news agency: "Neither the British nor the Spanish government have an interest in there being bad relations." He also said that aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious had requested and been granted permission to stop off at the southern Spanish naval base of Rota on August 18, proving that there was no military escalation between the two countries.