'This is just heartbreaking': People shocked at the image of three migrants discovered on ship's rudder
 

The image of three men discovered balancing on the rudder of a ship for 11 days across the ocean from Nigeria to the Canary Islands has left people in shock.

The three men were picked up Monday by Spain's Maritime Rescue Services from the rudder of the Alithini II ship. After displaying acute symptoms of disorientation, dehydration, and hypothermia, they were all taken to a hospital on the island of Gran Canaria.

Two of the stowaways have been helped and put back on a ship to be deported to Nigeria. A local government spokesperson said that the third person is still recovering in a hospital. A law enforcement spokesperson told Reuters that the law in Spain states that if a stowaway doesn’t seek asylum, they have to be sent back to the original port by whoever runs the ship.

The amount of people coming to the Canary Islands from the western region of Africa has skyrocketed over the past few years—with many undertaking similar dangerous journeys.

People reacted to the news and are left astounded that the three men were able to survive on a rudder without food or water for 11 days.

While some commented on the determination of migrants, others pointed out the horrific conditions that are forcing migrants to take such journeys.

Source: https://news.yahoo.com/african-migrants-nigeria-ship-rudder-photo-reaction-175357738.html

Comprehension

What image has left people in shock?
How many days did these three men stay on the rudder of a ship?
What is the condition of these men when they were picked up by Spain's Maritime Rescue Services?
What is the law of Spain regarding the stowaway?
What happened to these after they have been helped?

Discussion

What springs to mind when you hear the word "stowaway"?
What do you think about the risk taken by these three men?
Why do you think some men take a dangerous journey to flee their home country?
How can the world help countries from which migrants are fleeing?
Do you think countries should allow migrants to seek asylum in their countries?

Vocabulary

acute - very serious, extreme, or severe:
dehydration - a condition caused by the loss of too much fluid from the bod
stowaway - someone who hides on a ship, airplane, etc., in order to travel without paying or being seen
rudder - a flat piece hinged vertically near the stern of a boat or ship for steering
astounded - shock or greatly surprise.
horrific - causing horror.