Two small boats carrying a total of 19 illegal immigrants were intercepted off the Almería coast on Saturday.
The first boat, an inflatable dinghy, was spotted about 58 miles from Cabo de Gata by a tugboat which then took the 11 passengers onboard. Soon afterwards, the passengers were transferred to a Maritime Rescue vessel and transported to the port of Garrucha.
At roughly the same time, another boat was detected and intercepted in Almerían waters. This boat was carrying 8 people and they were duly taken to Almería port.
All 19 illegals were said to be in good health after what must have been a pretty cold journey.