Migrant ship stopped in S Leone

Tens of thousands of people try the risky crossing every year

A ship carrying 500 migrants was intercepted as it was about to leave Sierra Leone for the Canary Islands, Spanish officials say.

The captain and the crew were arrested in the capital, Freetown, after an investigation by security officials in Spain, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Ten of thousands of Africans try to sail to Spain every year, as it is seen as an easy way into Europe.

More ships have been detected off the coast of west Africa, officials added.

'Unseaworthy'

"More than 500 immigrants, who were crammed into the port and controlled by people-smuggling mafia groups, were about to set out to sea for the Canaries," the islands' regional governor Jose Segura said.

He said the ship, which was "fit for the scrappers' yard", was one of two that were currently being tracked by the authorities.

In the past, migrants on similar routes had paid $1,500-$2,000 for the 2,600km journey (1,625 miles) from Freetown to the Canaries, Mr Segura added.

The Canary Islands and Gibraltar are the two main entry points for illegal migrants seeking to reach Spain by sea.