Eleven elderly Algerian nationals were intercepted last night about 24 miles from Cartagena, Murcia, as they attempted to reach the Spanish coast in a small, motorless boat.
The illegals were spotted by a Moroccan ferry and the coastguard then sent a boat out to intercept them. Marine Service and Guardia Civil patrol boats also went to the area and escorted the Algerian boat to Cartagena.
All the passengers were elderly males and all said to be in good health. They are now in the custody of the national Police awaiting repatriation.