Rabat – At least 67 migrants have died while attempting to reach the Spanish-occupied enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, according to Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The sad news comes as Spain moves to reinforce its maritime border following one of the largest migration crises Ceuta has seen in recent years.
Speaking in Ceuta on Saturday after an emergency meeting to assess the situation, Grande-Marlaska described the deaths as “tragic and unfortunate incidents,” adding that the border situation had returned to “near normal” less than 48 hours after the peak of the crisis.
A maritime barrier
Spanish authorities also announced the start of the installation of a 500-meter maritime containment barrier at the Tarajal border area. The floating barrier will extend between 30 and 70 centimeters above the water and one meter below the surface, aiming to prevent further sea crossings into Ceuta.
The barrier will be connected to a line of fixed buoys provided by the Spanish Navy and will include a navigation channel for Spanish Civil Guard patrol boats operating along the border.
No new migrants
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, no new irregular entries into Ceuta were recorded overnight on Friday, while the return of migrants to Morocco continued without major incidents.
Authorities estimate that around 50,000 people entered Ceuta during the crisis. Of those, approximately 48,300 have already returned to Morocco, as Spanish authorities continue processing returns.
The influx overwhelmed reception facilities and emergency services in the enclave, surpassing the scale of the May 2021 Ceuta migration crisis, according to Spanish officials.
The decision to strengthen the maritime border follows Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s recent visit to Ceuta, during which he announced plans to reinforce security along the enclave’s coastline.
Meanwhile, pressure has remained significantly lower in the Spanish-occupied enclave of Melilla. Authorities reported that 130 migrants, including 84 unaccompanied minors, entered the city through the Beni Ensar border crossing and other routes.
The minors have been placed under the city’s protection, while adults are undergoing identification procedures. The Beni Ensar crossing remains closed, with no timetable announced for reopening.
Health services in Melilla treated around 60 people for injuries including fractures, cuts, burns, and other wounds. Three people required hospitalization, while two Spanish National Police officers and one Civil Guard officer were also reported injured.
Spanish authorities emphasized that the figures remain provisional, with the death toll and migration statistics expected to be updated as rescue, identification, and return operations continue.
