Spain’s Marine Rescue service said today it has saved 28 African migrants from an inflatable boat in waters off southeast Spain, and is searching for 23 others believed missing after the vessel ran into stormy weather.
A spokeswoman said the rescue took place in the Mediterranean Sea, 32 kilometres off Cabo de Gata cape. She said the rescued migrants confirmed there had been 51 people aboard the 10-metre-long boat and that many had fallen into the sea when the vessel ran into high waves and winds on yesterday.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with the service’s regulations
African migrants seeking a better life in Europe often try to reach Spain by crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Morocco in small boats.