Seventeen migrants believed dead trying to reach Spain's Balearic Islands

Seventeen migrants died trying to reach the shores of Spain's Balearic Islands after 15 days of travel, authorities said on Tuesday, citing the testimony of two

survivors who were rescued from a boat off the coast of Mallorca.



Both survivors, who were from North African countries, showed signs of malnutrition and dehydration, and were hospitalised, the Spanish government's office in the region said.



The two survivors said 19 people were originally onboard the vessel. Authorities could not independently confirm the deaths.



An emergency helicopter was mobilised to search the area near the location of Tuesday's rescue, as well as to issue a notice to mariners, the government's office said.



The boat was found about 13 nautical miles southwest of the island of Mallorca, in the Mediterranean Sea.