Canary Islands, Spain
More than 1,400 illegal African immigrants landed on Spain’s Canary Islands over just two days last week. The immigrants made their desperate and dangerous voyage from West Africa jammed into wooden boats for days. Two other boatloads, with an unknown number of passengers, didn’t make it. The new arrivals bring the total of immigrants who have arrived in the Canaries so far this year to 22,000—more than five times the number that came in all of 2005. Spain is appealing to other E.U. countries to help it patrol its coasts, saying keeping illegals out of the E.U. is every member country’s responsibility. “The wind of tragedy is blowing toward the Canary Islands,” said the islands’ president, Adan Martin.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What are the different types of nuclear weapons?The Explainer Speculation mounts that post-war taboo on nuclear weapons could soon be shattered by use of 'battlefield' missiles
-
Floral afternoon teas to enjoy during the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Week Recommends These are the prettiest spots in the city to savour a traditional treat
-
How to plan a trip along the Mississippi RiverThe Week Recommends See this vital waterway from the Great River Road
