Hundreds rescued by coast guards trying to cross to Canary Islands

Maritime Rescue teams have rescued hundreds of migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands in a series of operations over the past twenty-four hours.

Several overcrowded vessels were located in waters close to the archipelago, with rescue crews transferring those on board safely to shore.

The Canary Islands remain one of the principal routes for migrants attempting to reach Europe from West Africa, and arrivals have continued at a high level despite increased patrols and rescue efforts.