Sophie Eastaugh

The Spanish islands saw a big increase last year of people trying to migrate to Europe by boat. After sheltering many of them in hotels, the authorities have set up camps and stepped up deportations.

The Canary Islands depend on tourists. But lacking international visitors because of the pandemic, some hotels have been hosting new guests — migrants and refugees from Africa.

Boaters stress that it's not an easy way of life, with constant repairs, refills of water, gas and coal — and emptying toilets' holding tanks. But in the pandemic era, a moveable home has advantages.

Tom Moore, who served as an army captain in World War II, had originally aimed to raise $1,250 before his 100th birthday on April 30. More than 347,000 people have donated so far to his effort.