At least 54 children and roughly 30 adults reportedly swam from Morocco to Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on Saturday. Spanish television documented the perilous journey through rough seas and dense fog.
Video footage from Spanish television channel RTVE depicted Civil Guard launches making persistent rescue attempts. These efforts aimed to bring some swimmers to safety, while others independently swam to the enclave’s shores.
The children, predominantly Moroccan nationals, were transported to temporary centers within Ceuta. Local authorities there urgently called upon the central government for assistance in managing the sudden influx of arrivals. Juan Rivas of the Ceuta regional government appealed to reporters on Saturday, emphasizing the critical situation. He stated, “Don’t leave us alone. This is a matter of state. This has to be resolved.”
This incident echoes a similar event on August 26 last year, when hundreds of migrants utilized thick mist to swim to Ceuta from neighboring Morocco. In 2021, a poignant image captured one boy attempting to reach Ceuta by floating on empty plastic bottles.
Spain’s two enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, situated on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, represent the European Union’s sole land borders with Africa. These enclaves periodically experience surges of attempted crossings by migrants seeking to reach European soil.
Moroccan nationals apprehended during these crossings are typically repatriated to Morocco without delay, unless they are minors or actively seeking asylum. Individuals of other nationalities are transferred to specialized centers, where they receive shelter and are released after a few days.
Three years prior, a tragic stampede occurred when approximately 2,000 migrants attempted to storm into Melilla by pushing down the border fence, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 people.
