Dead migrants found on boat

2008-09-03 19:00

Madrid - The bodies of 13 people were found aboard a packed migrant boat on Wednesday near one of Spain's Canary Islands, the Interior Ministry said.

Coastal guards spotted the boat with 46 survivors on board shortly before 08:00 (0600 GMT) and it was escorted to Puerto de Arguineguin on the south of Gran Canaria Island, the ministry said.

Two of the migrants, who appeared to be from sub-Saharan countries, were taken to hospital on the island. The survivors included two women.

Every year thousands of Africans looking for a better life in Europe attempt treacherous journeys in overcrowded boats. Most are caught and hundreds more die along the way, either from exposure or by drowning.

The ministry said some migrants on the boat told police they had set sail from the west African country of Guinea more than a week ago.

The number of those actually making it to the Canary Islands is down considerably this year because of stepped-up surveillance of African coastal waters by local and European vessels.

- AP