Thirty-eight sub-Saharans were picked up late last night as they tried to make their way to Spain in a small, inflatable dinghy.
The tour party included two pregnant women and two young children. The boat was spotted on Saturday evening about 40 miles from Motril and Maritime Rescue vessels were sent to intercept.
The two pregnant women were taken to hospital for a routine medical check while the rest were handed over to the National Police. The passengers will first go to a temporary shelter in Motril before being transferred to a detention centre in preparation for repatriation.