A total of 51 migrants have died after their boat capsized as it made its way to the Canary Islands earlier this week. The sinking vessel, measuring around 15 to 20 metres long, was spotted by a tanker on its way from Brazil and Cartagena on Monday.
Following a distress call, a maritime rescue helicopter based in Tenerife was dispatched along with two other vessels to help rescue people from the water.
Nine people were rescued by the helicopter which flew them to the El Hierro hospital for treatment following the ordeal.
According to the Canarian Weekly, the nine survivors from the sinking boat told medical personnel the boat had set off nine days before on its way to the Canary Islands.
They added that they had been the only ones able to turn the capsized boat back over before climbing back on board. The nine survivors, reportedly from sub-Saharan Africa, are now being treated in El Hierro airport by members of the Red Cross.
Express.co.uk has sent the Interior Ministry a request for comment.
Tyler Mitchell