MORE than 80 migrants are dead or missing after a boat carrying 128 people was found adrift off the Canary Islands after almost a month lost at sea.
The canoe-like vessel was rescued early on Thursday morning around 120 kilometres south of Gran Canaria, with 45 survivors and five bodies on board.
The boat is believed to have set sail from The Gambia for the Canaries 27 days ago, according to reports from EFE and the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras.
While the identity of the victims is yet to be confirmed, the route between the western coast of Africa and the Canary Islands is a major path for migrants hoping to reach Spain.
The rescuers were forced to leave the five bodies onboard due to perilous conditions at sea.
In June, Caminando Fronteras reported that more than 1,300 migrants had died while trying to reach Spain in the first five months of 2026.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.
