Illegal immigrants risk life

A desperate bid for a better life ends in tragedy for this person picked up from the sea off the Canary Islands.

For others they made it with their lives - but their futures are uncertain.

These seas attract thousands of illegal immigrants leaving Africa to try and work in the relative wealth of Europe.

But turbulent seas and inadequate open top boats mean many come unstuck on the journey.

In this case it's the Spanish Red Cross which picks up the pieces.

67 would be immigrants came in this boat load, including 15 youngsters.

Two were found dead and a third died on his way to hospital.

It's a desperate but seemingly unstoppable state of affairs.

For those facing poverty in Africa, a voyage across the stretch of sea to the money of Europe seems a risk worth taking.

Penny Tweedie, Reuters.

come unstuck to suffer failure or disaster