More than 500 migrants rescued from their ordeal off the Canary Islands

Two bodies were also discovered on one of the four boats. Two other people died in hospital. Refugee arrivals to the Canary Islands have also increased significantly.

Spanish security forces rescued more than 500 migrants from distress off the Canary Islands in El Hierro on Saturday. The Coast Guard said the people were traveling in four boats. There were also two bodies in the boats. According to the Civil Guard, two of those rescued died in hospital. The number of arrivals has jumped since September due to the mild weather and calm sea.

The Ministry of the Interior in Madrid announced on Thursday that a total of 30,705 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands in the first ten months of this year. This represents a 111% increase compared to the same period last year, and the government announced it would create additional emergency accommodation for around 3,000 migrants in barracks, hotels and hostels.

The Canary Islands are located only 100 kilometers from the west coast of Africa

A large proportion of migrants arriving in Spain by sea arrive in the Canary Islands. The archipelago is located about 100 kilometers off the west coast of Africa. The seven islands became the main destinations for migrants from Senegal and other African countries. (Abba)