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Spanish NGO: Survivors Say 45 Migrants Die in Mediterranean

by Associated Press

   RABAT, MOROCCO --

   A Spanish human rights activist quoted survivors Thursday saying that
   45 migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Spain.

   Helena Maleno, who runs a Tangiers-based non-governmental organization,
   said she based her figure on accounts from seven female survivors. They
   told her a pregnant woman was among the dead.

   A Moroccan official said he couldn't confirm the report. He said he was
   aware of 21 migrants who were rescued by the Royal Marines after their
   rubber dinghy floundered.

   He said he knew of only one body being recovered Thursday, a day after
   the boat went adrift as it crossed the Mediterranean.

   The official, who had information about the incident, wasn't authorized
   to discuss it and asked to remain anonymous. He said the migrants, all
   sub-Saharans, were in a critical state when pulled from the water north
   of Nador.