Spain rescues 58 migrants at sea near Canary Islands

A Spanish coast guard boat brought 58 migrants to the port of Arguineguin in the Spanish island of Gran Canaria on Wednesday, after rescuing them from three dinghies in the Atlantic Ocean.

According to reports, TV footage showed coast guards wearing full protective suits helping young male migrants disembark the vessel upon arrival.

Officials told Reuters there were already 150 migrants sleeping under Red Cross tents at Arguineguin port since Friday. This brings the total of migrants at Arguineguin port to 208, of which two are females.

Rescue officials have not been able to take the migrants to reception centers because they are full and have had to improvise accommodation.

Data from Spain's Interior Ministry show irregular migration to Spain up to August 15, 2020 has decreased by 32.7% compared to the same period last year, but arrivals in the Canary Islands have increased by 520.1%.

Figures published show 10,716 migrants entered Spain illegally this year until August 15, compared to 14,597 in 2019. The Canary Islands registered 3,448 illegal migrant arrivals, compared to 556 in 2019, in the same period.

SS