More than 400 migrants rescued off Spain’s southern coast in past week, many taken to Malaga

MORE than 400 migrants have been rescued off the coast of southern Spain in the past week. 

According to rescue services, coast guards rescued 414 migrants from 16 boats as the Mediterranean route from north Africa to Spain becomes increasingly popular.

The number of migrants travelling the route has increased three-fold in the first four months of this year compared to last year.

The rescued migrants were taken to Almeria, Malaga, Tarifa, Cartagena and Spain’s north African enclave Ceuta.

Almost 3,300 people reached Spain by sea between January and  April.

At least 59 died attempting to cross.

Last year saw 6,726 migrants attempt to enter Spain by sea, according to the Spanish Coastguard.

Nearby Italy has seen 69,000 migrants arrive by sea so far this year.