Dozens of exhausted migrants arrived in a wooden boat on a beach in Spain's Canary Islands early on Friday amid a sharp rise in perilous crossings from Africa, with emergency personnel and a few stunned beachgoers rushing to help.
The boat carrying 64 people made it to the Las Burras beach on the island of Gran Canaria by its own means, authorities said. Eleven migrants were taken to hospitals, some by helicopter as four were in critical condition.
The number of migrants arriving irregularly by sea to the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean soared by 160% between January and July 15 from a year ago, totalling almost 20,000 people, according to Spain's interior ministry.
Overall arrivals by sea to Spain, including across the mainland, grew by 88% to around 25,300 people.
After reaching the beach lined with hotels, many of the migrants lay on the sand, looking frail and exhausted. One lay flat and almost motionless. Many struggled to walk.
Emergency personnel handed the migrants yellow foil blankets, while some were placed on stretchers. A police officer held a baby in his arms as he stood next to a woman being attended by medics.
Beachgoers, including children, looked on, while one tourist handed her water bottle to a migrant.
The route from Africa to the Canary Islands is the fastest-growing migration route in Europe, with irregular crossings up 303% from January to May from a year ago, according to the latest data from European border control agency Frontex.
Another boat, carrying 145 migrants, was rescued on Friday near Gran Canaria, authorities said.
Latest Stories
-
Joy FM Prayer Summit for Peace ends in electrifying worship and prayer
5 hours -
The Conscience of Leadership: A call to President Akufo-Addo on Ghana’s environmental devastation
6 hours -
Ghanaian youth unaware of their right to hold politicians accountable – Youth Bridge Foundation
7 hours -
Judge delays Trump sentencing for a third time
7 hours -
2024 WAFCON: Ghana drawn against defending champions South Africa in Group C
7 hours -
Photos from DW-JoyNews street debate on ‘galamsey’
8 hours -
Mimmy Yeboah: Blending heritage with global sophistication, confidence redefined through couture
8 hours -
100 Most Influential People Awards 2024: Brain Hill International School’s Director Mary Anane Awuku honoured
9 hours -
Akufo-Addo commissions 97-km Tema-Mpakadan railway line
9 hours -
Majority requests recall of Parliament
9 hours -
Kanzlsperger and Professor Quartey support WAFA with medical Donation
9 hours -
Gideon Boako donates 10 industrial sewing machines to Yamfo Technical Institute
9 hours -
‘Golden Boy’ Abdul Karim Razak honored at WAFU-B general assembly
10 hours -
Buipewura Jinapor secures Vice Presidential position in National House of Chiefs with record votes
10 hours -
2024 election: I want results to come out like ‘milk and honey’ – Toobu
10 hours