MADRID (AP) — Spain's maritime rescue service says it has saved 10 migrants from a small inflatable craft trying to cross the Strait of Gibraltar.

The service says that the 10 men of sub-Saharan origin were "visibly tired after hours of rowing."

The rescue boat Arcturus made the rescue in waters off the southern tip of Spain.

Tens of thousands of migrants, most from sub-Saharan African countries, try to make the perilous crossing in boats unsuitable for the open sea to Spain and Italy each year.