A second Cayuco in 48 hours has escaped detection by the authorities, arriving in the tiny harbour at Los Abrigos, San Miguel at 3am this morning, carrying 62 immigrants, of whom three are thought to be children.

Three of the immigrants were taken to hospital for treatment, one with a foot injury and the others with hypothermia.

The strike by a local refuse firm in Adeje began yesterday and the council has asked residents and visitors to cooperate by keeping their rubbish to a minimum.

Road sweepers and bin men who work for the company, which holds the tender for the services in the town, walked out after pay negotiations broke down again.

A number of temporary sites have been set up for people to take their rubbish to instead of leaving it on the streets every night.

Businesses and householders have been requested not to take bulky items out for collection during the coming days.

A council spokesman admitted the situation was of grave concern as the busy Easter week-end approaches and hotels fill up. The strike could last for weeks due to the irreconcilable positions of the two sides.