14 die in migrant boat journey to Spain

Fourteen migrants died trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands in a packed boat, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday.

Thirteen of the dead were found along with 46 survivors aboard the vessel after it was spotted by coastal guards shortly before 8 a.m. (0600 GMT). A further body was found several hours later some 7 miles offshore, the ministry said.

The boat was escorted to Puerto de Arguineguin on the south of Gran Canaria island.

Two of the migrants, who appeared to be from sub-Saharan countries, were taken to a hospital on the island. The survivors included two women.

Every year thousands of Africans looking for a better life in Europe attempt treacherous journeys in overcrowded boats. Most are caught and hundreds more die along the way, either from exposure or by drowning.

The ministry said some migrants on the boat told police they had set sail from the west African country of Guinea more than a week ago.

The number of those actually making it to the Canary Islands is down considerably this year because of stepped-up surveillance of African coastal waters by local and European vessels.