Nearly 2,200 migrants arrive in Spain’s Canary Islands in two days

The Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa is a major destination for migrants seeking to reach EU countries. Most of those arriving in the Canary Islands come from West Africa, and the journeys are often made in substandard vessels.

Spain's rescue service said on Sunday that it had assisted 1,324 migrants on board 14 boats that were heading to or had arrived at the island of El Hierro.

Of the approximately 28,000 people who arrived in Spain by sea between January and October, 13,000 arrived in the Canary Islands, according to the interior ministry.