Spain rescues migrant boat, investigates reported deaths

<p>MADRID &mdash; Authorities in Spain’s Canary Islands off northwest Africa rescued a boat carrying 48 migrants, including one who was recovered dead, and police launched an investigation into whether four others were thrown overboard during the voyage.</p>
<p>The boat was detected some 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of the archipelago during Monday night, the Canary Islands rescue service said.</p>
<p>Survivors told police during questioning that four others had died during the journey, according to the Spanish government’s delegation in the Canary Islands. Spain’s National Police have launched an investigation.</p>
<p>The Canary Islands have become the main European destination for people fleeing North and West Africa.</p>
<p>Last year, some 23,000 people reached the archipelago. Most of them were picked up by Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service. More than 500 died or disappeared in the attempt.</p>