Nine migrants dead and dozens feared drowned after boat capsizes

by · Mail Online

At least nine people are dead, with dozens more feared drowned, after a migrant boat capsized in the Canary Islands.

The vessel, believed to be carrying 84 people from Africa, got into trouble about four miles off the coast of the island of El Hierro in the early hours of yesterday.

Last night, nine were confirmed dead, including a teenage boy, with the whereabouts of 48 others unknown. 

A further 27 were rescued, with three taken to a hospital on the island as search-and-rescue boats and helicopters continued to look for survivors.

At least nine migrants have died and dozens more are feared to have drowned after a boat from Africa capsized in the Canary Islands (Pictured: The rescue vessel of the Civil guard searching for migrants)
The boat is thought to have been carrying 84 people from Africa before tragedy struck (Pictured: A rescued migrant being assisted by members of the Red Cross)
Among the deceased includes a teenage boy, whilst the whereabouts of 48 remains undetermined (Pictured: A civil guard watching a rescue boats search for possible survivors)

The Spanish coastguard said high winds and migrants moving to one side of the boat caused it to capsize.

A spokesman added: 'The rescue took place in difficult circumstances, at night and in adverse weather conditions.' 

By the middle of August, 22,304 migrants had arrived in the archipelago this year.