The patera, with 28 people on board, either got lost or ran into difficulties off the coast of Fuerteventura.

It is understood the boat had left Africa some days before but had taken twice as long as normal to reach the shore.

The phone call, presumably from a worried friend or relative, alerted the emergency services to their plight. Maritime Rescue despatched a boat and, despite the difficulties of darkness and no specific location, managed to locate the patera which was quite close to the island. Police believe there might have been a problem with the engine or fuel.

There were 28 immigrants on board, at least eight of them minors. They eventually got to dry land around 4.30am and were put under the custody of the National Police. Although most were in good health, some of the minors were suffering from signs of hypothermia and minor injuries and received attention from the Red Cross. 

The boat had travelled from El Aaiun in the Western Sahara with the occupants again willing to risk their lives to make the treacherous journey in search of a new life in an illegal way.