At least nine people, including a child, have been confirmed dead and 27 rescued after a shipwreck off the Spanish coast.
Patrol boats and helicopters are searching for 48 refugees and migrants missing after their boat sank near the Spanish island of El Hierro. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, with nine confirmed dead and hopes of finding survivors fading.
The group set out from Nouadhibou in Mauritania, traveling nearly 500 miles before the tragedy. The rescue attempt was made difficult by wind and poor visibility, resulting in the boat sinking.
As the search continues, it is expected that more bodies will be found in the coming days, with three of the rescued individuals suffering from hypothermia and dehydration. The tragedy highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by refugees and migrants attempting the perilous journey to the Canary Islands.
This recent disaster follows a similar loss of life in September, emphasizing the dangers faced by those seeking a better life through these treacherous sea crossings.