The Spanish authorities say nearly 32,000 migrants have reached the Canary Islands by sea from West Africa this year – higher than the previous record posted in 2006.
Since Friday more than 700 people have been rescued in the Atlantic Ocean off El Hierro, the smallest and most westerly of the seven islands.
The Canary islands have become the main destination for migrants from Senegal and other African countries trying to reach Spain.
The UN says at least 140 migrants have died trying to make the crossing since the beginning of the year.