Spain calls for EU help on immigration

The Spanish government has intensified calls for EU help in coping with the flow of illegal immigrants from Africa.

Three more boatloads landed on the Canary Islands this morning, bringing the total number of people to have arrived since Friday to over 1,100.

Over 17,000 have turned up on the holiday islands this year, searching for a better life.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said illegal immigration presented a serious, difficult and complex challenge.

“The EU and the governments of the countries where the immigrants come from have to get involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Italy continues to confront the same human tragedy.

A boat believed to be carrying more than 30 illegal immigrants capsized, with at least five people reported dead, 10 rescued and 15 missing.

Coastguards off the island of Lampedusa were already in the water searching for bodies after another vessel sank yesterday.

Copyright © 2012 euronews