Spanish authorities have rescued more than hundreds of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in a bid to reach Europe this weekend.
Spain’s maritime rescue service said it rescued 243 people from nine boats on Saturday. On Sunday, a further 250 migrants were rescued from eight boats, three of which were in poor condition and later sank, they added.
The operations included airplane and helicopter searches, while those rescued were from various countries including north and sub-Saharan Africa.
Spain is the third busiest point of arrival for all refugees and migrants entering Europe by sea, behind Italy and Greece, accounting for 23 percent of all such arrivals to the EU.
Spain is warned by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR that Spain is facing “another very challenging year” when it comes to helping and protecting those arriving on its shores.
“This situation requires urgent measures from the central government, which needs to coordinate with the relevant ministries as well as the Guardia Civil border police, the maritime rescue service, the police and NGOs,” said María Jesús Vega, a spokeswoman for UNHCR Spain.
“Government action is more urgently needed than ever and we need to see proper infrastructure for welcoming, registering and identifying these people,” Vega said.
> Shiuly Rina
Hundreds of Migrants Rescued by Spain from Mediterranean Sea
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