Doha – The lifeless body of a young man was found off the coast of Ceuta late Wednesday evening, bringing the total number of migrant deaths in the area to five for the month of August.
The discovery comes amidst heightened vigilance in the waters surrounding the Spanish enclave, as an increasing number of migrants attempt to reach the city by swimming.
According to sources from the Ceuta Command of the Civil Guard who spoke to EFE, the deceased is believed to be a young Moroccan man.
His body, found in an advanced state of decomposition and without a wetsuit, was recovered near the area known as “1,000 Steps” by the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard in collaboration with the Special Group of Underwater Activities (GEAS).
The intensified surveillance of Ceuta’s coastal waters is a response to the growing migratory pressure facing the city.
Many migrants are resorting to attempting the dangerous swim in hopes of reaching Spanish territory. It is suspected that the young man lost his life in a failed attempt to make the crossing.
Following its recovery at approximately 8:15 p.m., the body was transferred to the base of the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard.
From there, it was taken to the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Ceuta (IML) for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The identification of the body and confirmation of the victim’s origin are still pending.
This tragic incident marks the fifth body recovered from Ceuta’s waters during the month of August, underlining the increasing peril associated with irregular crossings.
As migratory pressures continue to mount, both Moroccan and Spanish officials are grappling with the challenge of ensuring the safety of those attempting these treacherous journeys.
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