Posted by By IKE NNAMDI, The Sun Reporter, New York on
Dozens of Nigerians are reported dead and several others missing after their boat capsized while attempting to enter into Spain illegally.
Dozens of Nigerians are reported dead and several others missing after their boat capsized while attempting to enter into Spain illegally. Spanish officials who said the dead included two pregnant women said the mishap occured after their boats ran into rough waters off Spain's southern coast. According to maritime authorities, the boat was carrying over 100 Nigerian migrants when it overturned off the town of Motril.
About 23 migrants were rescued while the search for the bodies of those who died has begun. The boat was one of several carrying Nigerians attempting the dangerous trip to Europe via Spain. The authorities said they are searching for other boats, but warned that the death toll could be higher.
"Our Navy intercepted several boats, the fate of the occupants are uncertain, but this are dangerous waters and they may have drowned", a Spanish official said.
Sources said the desperate Nigerian paid several thousands of dollars to syndicates which promised them entry to Spain, but ended up packing them into leaky boats for the dangerous trip. Thousands of Africans attempt to reach Spain's canary Islands every year, but most drown during the trip. "The Nigerian government should take steps to prevent its citizens from making this dangerous trip as the likely consequence could be death", Spanish officials said.