The Spanish defence minister, Jose Bono, said that the navy would no longer intercept immigrant boats in Spanish waters unless they needed immediate help. The decision is a recognition of the increasing dangers faced by would-be immigrants. A quarter of the immigrants entering the EU illegally do so through Spain and the summer months bring feverish activity across the Gibraltar Straits. Many prospective immigrants head out into the Atlantic in flimsy wooden boats in an attempt to avoid border patrols.