British holiday hotspot declares emergency after RECORD number of illegal migrants overwhelm tiny island

Spain declared an emergency in the Canary Islands after about 2,200 migrants arrived over one weekend, stretching local facilities and infrastructure. El Hierro, a small island with around 11,000 residents, was hardest hit, prompting regional leaders to ask Madrid for more support.

Nearly 1,500 people arrived on Saturday, the highest single-day total since 2020, while more than 3,300 had reached El Hierro in the previous fortnight. Twelve boats landed there over the weekend, with one each reaching Gran Canaria and Tenerife; about 13,000 people have arrived in the Canaries so far this year. Most crossings began in Senegal, Gambia or Guinea, and the article says autumn weather can increase attempts on a route known for its dangers.