Algeciras, Spain - At least five Africans have have died in the latest tragedy at sea involving illegal immigrants bound for Spain, authorities said Saturday. The five drowned after their boat capsized in the Moroccan territorial waters in theStrait of Gibraltar, according to officials in the southern port city of Algeciras.
Around 10 more occupants of the boat were rescued. The number of dead was expected to rise as survivors spoke of up to 60 people, including pregnant women and children, having been onboard the tiny vessel.
Rescue teams from Morocco and Spain were involved. Emergency services responded after one of the boat's occupants alerted a compatriot in Spain to the tragedy.
Every year, hundreds of people die trying to illegally enter Spain by sea. This year, the influx of illegal immigrants has declined sharply as a result of the financial crisis. Around 4,800 such migrants have been recorded this year, around half as many as over the corresponding period in 2008.
