Spain locates 320 migrants in 10 boats off Canary Islands

Spanish rescue services said Tuesday y intercepted more than 320 migrants in 10 boats found off Canary Islands archipelago.

service said steady stream of boats were located off island of Gran Canaria between midnight and early morning.

migrants, all from rthwest African countries, were taken to Arguineguín dock on southwestern coast of island. More than 2,000 migrants, many from sub-Saharan countries, are being kept at dock in recent days. Some of migrants are in Red Cross tents, but many have shelter.

Interior Ministry said in a report this week that 16,760 migrants had arrived by sea to Canary Islands between Jan. 1 and v. 15, a figure that was up by 1,000% compared to same period last year.

More than half of total have arrived in last four weeks, a sharp influx worrying international and n-profit organizations.

ministry said total number of migrant arrivals by boat to Spain was 32,427 for same period, up 45% from last year.