Foreign
AT least two migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to reach the southern coast of Spain by swimming.
More than a hundred people were allegedly forced to jump off their boat into the water by gangs of smugglers before reaching the coast of the Andalusia region early on Friday.
The state TV channel RTVE and other media reported, cited the spokespersons for the rescue teams.
According to the latest count, more than 120 refugees were rescued on the beach of Adra, about 80 kilometres west of Almería.
One of the rescued migrants is in a life-threatening condition.
According to the information, the crews of the two boats, which set sail from Morocco, were able to make their escape after forcing the migrants overboard.
According to estimates by human rights organisations, refugees often pay more than 5,000 euros (5,370 dollars) for the perilous boat crossing to Europe.
Since the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) began keeping records in 2014, almost 27,000 people have died trying to reach Europe on Mediterranean routes.
More than 1,100 died in the first five months of this year alone. (dpa/NAN)
TS
Tags: International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Mediterranean Sea
