Rabat – A young sub-Saharan migrant died Friday after falling into the sea while attempting to enter Ceuta using a paraglider, Spain’s Civil Guard said, according to Spanish media.
The incident happened on Friday at around 8 a.m. when Civil Guard officers spotted a person trying to reach the Spanish-occupied enclave by paraglider from the mountains of Benzú, in northern Ceuta.
Initial indications suggest the migrant was trying to land near the northern border but lost control of the paraglider and fell into the sea. Civil Guard officers went to the area after believing the migrant could still be alive. However, they found that he had died, added the report.
The migrant’s body was taken to the Civil Guard’s Maritime Service facilities. Authorities identified him as a young sub-Saharan migrant.
The Civil Guard said that sub-Saharan migrants have made isolated attempts to enter Ceuta using paragliders, particularly since last year. Several accidents have already been reported because those attempting the crossings had limited experience operating the equipment.
Friday’s incident is reportedly the first death involving a migrant attempting to enter Ceuta using a paraglider.
The incident comes around a week after a mass migration crossing into Ceuta, with tens of thousands of migrants entering from Morocco. According to Spanish authorities, 80 people died during the mass crossing, while Moroccan authorities reported a death toll of 14 people.
The majority of the migrants who entered Ceuta have subsequently returned. Many returned voluntarily after being attacked inside the enclave and having no access to food or water for several days.
Morocco’s Human Rights Council (CNDH) reported that local authorities decided on the closure of shops, cafes, and restaurants, leaving thousands without access to food and water for two days.
Morocco attributed the Ceuta migration crisis to misinformation, particularly online, migrant smuggling networks, and misinterpretation of a recent Spanish court ruling.
