Four Moroccan migrants died off Spain’s southern coast, near Cadiz, with four others being taken to hospital for severe hypothermia.

The bodies of the four, who drowned, were found on Wednesday near their boat that had been carrying 32 other migrants.

Twenty-seven of the occupants were reportedly forced by the crew to jump off the boat into the sea, and 23 of them were rescued alive.

The police have opened an inquiry into the incident.

Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Minister, Yolanda Diaz, said she was “horrified” by the news.

“Something very profound is failing when those who come in search of a better life only find death. We will not look the other way,” she said while calling for European action.

Spain is one of the main entry points for migrants departing from North Africa into Europe, with tens of thousands of arrivals in the past year alone.