MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

BAS Ship Returns to Stanley.

The British Antarctic Survey vessel the RRS Ernest Shackleton is due to arrive in at East Cove at 7 O'clock this evening. Her unexpected call back into the Falkland Islands is due to a steering problem. Spares to resolve the problem are expected to arrive on Friday's Tri-Star. If everything goes to plan she should depart for Halley Base in Antarctica on Saturday.

Expansion for Falkland Islands Tours and Travel

The arrival in Stanley of the European South Atlantic Line vessel Astra Sea brought with it expansion for a local business. Four coaches purchased by Falkland Island Tours and Travel arrived on the boat expanding their fleet to 26 vehicles, including 13 coaches. These new vehicles will each seat 49 people and have been described as being low floored with easy access for elderly tourists. Andrew Williams who owns the company along with Aaron Stewart told FIBS this morning that the vehicles will mainly be used in Stanley for tourist shuttles. Mr Williams believes the company now owns more than any other in the Falklands with the exception of the Falkland Islands Government. They can now seat around 868 passengers in total. He also said that the company are looking at the possibility of starting a bus service in Stanley in the future with the continued expansion of the town. He added that the purchase of the new coaches is part of a reinvestment programme and the Stanley Cabs Taxis will be next for renewal after the summer season is over.

Britain Refuses to Move Stricken Sub

The Times has reported that Britain is today continuing repairs on a stricken nuclear-powered submarine in Gibraltar despite an appeal from the Spanish prime minister for it to be removed. Jose Maria Aznar told the Times yesterday that he had asked Britain to move HMS Tireless, whose presence in the colony has sparked outrage in neighbouring areas of Spain. Mr Aznar said the most reasonable and desirable solution to the problem was for Britain to tow the sub away. But a ministry of defence spokesman said that Gibraltar was the safest location for the repairs to be carried out. He said There are no plans to move Tireless. We are going to continue with the repair in G