Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service saved over 1,000 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe from North Africa.
The rescue was a two-day job that resulted in hundreds rescued. The Times reported,
The service says it pulled 206 people from 10 different boats Saturday morning, after rescuing 774 migrants traveling in 52 boats on Friday.
The journey from Africa to Europe can be dangerous and unpredictable for migrants, but many still risk their lives to make the trip. The Times noted,
Human trafficking mafias pack the migrants into small craft unfit for open waters. Over 1,500 people have died so far this year trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
Rescuing migrants is no new feat for Spain. Within only the first five months of 2018, Spain received around 19,000 asylum-seekers. Some asylum-seekers fleeing violence and poverty find solace in Spain and make the country their permanent home. But many others use Spain as a stepping stone to reach other European countries such as Italy, which recently cracked down on migrant arrivals. Many migrants flock to Spain because they know the severe punishments they can face upon arrival in Libya, an easier gateway to Italy.
Although Spain tries to welcomes migrants with open arms, some EU officials are still struggling with policies regarding the recent influx of migrants. Earlier this month, Rutgers reported:
EU officials in Brussels are struggling to agree on a joint response to migration to calm tensions in Italy and Germany. Leaders signaled their concerns over Spain last week when they reached a new accord on the issue, pledging to support Madrid and Morocco to stem the tide.
Featured Image via Wikimedia/Ggia
