09/30/2008
Spain's marine service has rescued 229 migrants from a packed boat off the Canary Islands.
Marine rescue chief Anibal Carrillo says it is the biggest single boatload of migrants to reach the northwest African coast archipelago.
He says the sub-Saharan migrants were found in the open wooden fishing boat early Tuesday some 50 miles off Gran Canaria island.
There were 25 minors aboard the vessel, which is believed to have set sail from Mauritania four days ago. Six were treated for hypothermia.
Thousands of Africans seeking a better life in Europe regularly attempt treacherous journeys in overcrowded boats. Most are caught and hundreds more die along the way.
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