Perilous Journey: Surging Migrant Arrivals to Canary Islands

Dozens of exhausted migrants arrived early Friday on a beach in Spain's Canary Islands, highlighting the sharp rise in dangerous sea crossings from Africa. With emergency personnel and stunned beachgoers aiding the new arrivals, distressing scenes underlined the 160% increase in irregular sea migration compared to last year.

Dozens of exhausted migrants arrived on a beach in Spain's Canary Islands early Friday, showcasing a significant rise in perilous sea crossings from Africa. Emergency personnel and a few stunned beachgoers rushed to assist them.

The boat, carrying 64 people, reached Las Burras beach on the island of Gran Canaria on its own. Authorities reported that eleven migrants were hospitalized, some by helicopter, with four in critical condition. According to Spain's interior ministry, sea arrivals to the Canary Islands surged by 160% from January to July 15 compared to the previous year, totaling almost 20,000 people.

Spain saw an 88% rise in overall sea arrivals, increasing to around 25,300 people. Migrants, frail and exhausted, lay on the sand, some nearly motionless. Emergency personnel provided yellow foil blankets and stretchers. A police officer held a baby while medics attended to a woman, and beachgoers offered water. Another boat, with 145 migrants, was rescued near Gran Canaria on Friday, authorities said.

(With inputs from agencies.)