It has been confirmed that 71 young males were on board the flimsy vessel that dropped anchor roughly 200 metres off La Puntilla beach opposite the Hotel Gran Rey in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera last night.

Unable to land owing to the choppy sea conditions, the occupants were brought ashore at first light this morning.

While the majority were in good health, three of the men required medical attention as they were suffering from mild hypothermia.