Immigrants die trying to reach Canary Islands Article Published: 12:04 16/08/2006 Article Classification: Property Portfolio Investment in Cape Verde
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August 11 (Prensa Latina) At least 16 people died who were part of the illegal wave of African immigrants trying to reach the Canary coasts, on Friday official sources revealed.

According to police reports, 16 individuals of a group of 97 died from hunger and thirst while the rest survived by drinking salt water during their trip to the Canary Islands.

The tragedy came 24 hours after the arrival of 530 people without documents to the islands.

On Friday, the Frontiers European Agency (FRONTEX) began patrolling the coasts of Mauritania, Cape Verde and the Senegalese borders. Italy, Portugal and Finland are contributing to efforts intended to stop illegal immigration in this area.