afrol News, 16 February - Four people and an eight year old girl have drowned after a boat carrying illegal migrants from Morocco capsized in rough seas just off Spain's Canary Islands. More than a dozen is reported still missing.

Spanish officials said the boat overturned on Sunday evening very close to Lanzarote's shores. "Several island residents dived into the water and managed to save six of the migrants with the help of others in small boats," official statement said.

The officials said the survivors were clinging to the sinking boat and screaming, stating that most of the migrants appeared to be between the ages of 25 and 35.

Rescue helicopters have been scouring for any other survivors, but police said hopes were fading fast.

Thousands of people seeking a better life in Europe brave the rough seas from Africa to the Canary Islands or the Spanish mainland in overcrowded boats. Most are caught and hundreds die along the way.

But increased surveillance has meant the number of migrants reaching the Canary Islands has dropped from almost 32,000 in 2006 to about 9,000 in 2008.

Police say African migrants pay on average £1,000 to trafficking gangs to reach the Moroccan coast. However, many are now being turned back following increased surveillance of African coastal waters by local and European vessels.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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