Spanish authorities have detained nearly 300 migrants in the Canary Islands. They had been trying to reach Spanish territory illegally, in nine different boats. The 296 migrants arrived on the islands of Fuerteventura and Tenerife overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The detentions bring to over 500 the number of people intercepted in attempts to reach the islands since the start of the year. Most of the would-be immigrants were from sub-Saharan Africa. The group also included 17 men from India. Police have arrested four Moroccans suspected of organising the boat journeys. In December, Spain said it would grant Morocco 390 million euros to try to slow illegal migration. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Spanish flag.