At least five people died, including two babies, on a boat carrying illegal immigrants from North Africa.
A small boat was spotted about 43 miles from Motril by a coastguard plane on routine patrol and the rescue boat ‘Salvamar Hamal’ was dispatched to the area where it found the small craft on the point of sinking.
The passengers were nervous and began to stand up, causing the boat to capsize. Five people, including two babies, drowned as a result of the capsize.
Two of the survivors were taken by helicopter to Torrecárdenas hospital, the rest were taken by boat to Motril where Red Cross officials were on hand to offer assistance. Several of the survivors were subsequently transferred to hospital.
There were 37 people on board the vessel at the time of the rescue, including those who died when the boat capsized, but the authorities are trying to ascertain whether or not there were more occupants on board when the journey began.