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At least 57 people have died following a massive influx of nearly 60,000 individuals crossing from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, officials reported Friday.
The Spanish Guardia Civil and Maritime Rescue teams confirmed that autopsies will be performed to establish the exact causes of death.
Dramatic footage has emerged showing many migrants swimming across the border into Ceuta, reminiscent of a similar incident in 2021. Morocco lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar. Authorities noted that over 48,000 people have since returned to Morocco, but the border remains unstable and not fully controlled.
In response to the crisis, stores in Ceuta have remained closed, and approximately 80,000 residents are currently confined to their homes.
Juan Jesús Vivas, president of Ceuta, criticized the government’s delayed response to the situation in remarks to Spanish media. Meanwhile, the Spanish government insists that diplomatic relations with Morocco continue to be “excellent.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the situation in a late Thursday post on X, stating the government’s full commitment to an immediate response. “We are mobilizing all necessary resources, working with Moroccan and international authorities, and preparing the measures needed to restore normality as soon as possible,” he wrote. “Now is the time to build solutions, with responsibility and cooperation.”
Meanwhile, in Melilla-Spain’s other enclave bordering Morocco-authorities reported that between 300 and 400 people crossed or attempted to cross the border by land or sea on Thursday.