Updated

Spain's Marine Rescue service says it has saved 28 African migrants from an inflatable boat in waters off southeast Spain, and is searching for 23 others believed missing after the vessel ran into stormy weather.

A spokeswoman said the rescue took place Friday in the Mediterranean Sea, 20 miles (32 kilometers) off Cabo de Gata cape.

She said the rescued migrants confirmed there had been 51 people aboard the 33-foot-long (10-meter-long) boat and that many had fallen into the sea when the vessel ran into high waves and winds on Thursday.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with the service's regulations

African migrants seeking a better life in Europe often try to reach Spain by crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Morocco in small boats.