More than 500 rescued in Spanish waters in just one weekend

In 2018, the number of migrants trying to reach the country by sea has increased by more than a third.

Evangelical Focus

CÁDIZ · 28 MAY 2018 · 11:13 CET

Some of the people rescued by the Spanish maritime authorities on Saturday 26 May. / RTVE,
Some of the people rescued by the Spanish maritime authorities on Saturday 26 May. / RTVE

At least 536 people were rescued by Spanish authorities last weekend as they tried to reach the country’s shores.

The Maritime Rescue Services reported that 293 were found on Sunday 27 May, and 243 the day before. Most of these migrants were hoping to reach the coastal region of Andalucía (south of Spain).

A total number of 17 small boats were used, the biggest one had 46 people on board.

Three of the dinghies capsized shortly after the people were rescued, authorities told the Spanish public broadcaster TVE.

More than 3,300 migrants have risked their life in the Mediterranean trying to reach Spain between January and March 2018. These figures are a 34% increase when compared to the same period last year.

Among the many organisations working to serve asylum seekers in Europe are several intiatives lead by evangelical Christians. Around 50 of these groups met at the 2018 Refugee Highway Rountable to share best practices and work on common projects.

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