Britain's Defense Ministry rejected Thursday Argentina's claim that a Royal Navy patrol vessel carried out a "military incursion" into its waters.
Argentina's Foreign Ministry lodged a "formal note of protest" with the British Embassy, alleging HMS Medway entered Argentine waters earlier this month without prior notification.
The complaint came hours after Argentina's World Cup semifinal win over England. Argentine officials described the vessel's movements as a violation of international norms.
In response, Britain's Defense Ministry said HMS Medway supported British Antarctic Survey operations during a routine logistics mission.
"HMS Medway undertook a routine logistics visit to Punta Arenas July 5-8 supporting British Antarctic Survey operations, delivering essential stores and supplies to sustain scientific research in Antarctica," the ministry said in a statement Thursday.
