Ceuta migration crisis leaves at least 67 dead as Spain installs maritime barrier

At least 67 migrants have died while attempting to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, according to Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The Ceuta migration crisis has prompted Spain to reinforce security along its maritime border after one of the largest irregular migration surges recorded in the enclave.

Speaking in Ceuta after an emergency meeting on Saturday, Grande-Marlaska described the deaths as “tragic and unfortunate incidents.” He said the situation at the border had returned to near normal less than 48 hours after the peak of the crisis.

Spanish authorities have begun installing a 500-meter floating maritime containment barrier in the Tarajal border area. The structure will extend between 30 and 70 centimeters above the water and one meter below the surface to deter further sea crossings into Ceuta.

The barrier will be linked to a line of fixed buoys supplied by the Spanish Navy and will include a navigation channel for Spanish Civil Guard patrol boats operating in the area.

Spain’s Interior Ministry said no new irregular arrivals were recorded in Ceuta overnight on Friday. At the same time, the return of migrants to Morocco continued without major incidents.

Authorities estimate that about 50,000 people entered Ceuta during the crisis. Around 48,300 have already returned to Morocco as Spanish authorities continue processing repatriations.

The unprecedented influx placed heavy pressure on reception centers and emergency services in the enclave. Spanish officials said the scale of the arrivals exceeded that of the May 2021 Ceuta migration crisis.

The decision to reinforce the maritime border follows a recent visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Ceuta, where he announced additional measures to strengthen security along the coastline.

Migration pressure has remained considerably lower in the Spanish 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 protection of local authorities, while adults are undergoing identification procedures. The Beni Ensar crossing remains closed, and officials have not announced a reopening date.

Health services in Melilla treated around 60 people for injuries including fractures, cuts, burns, and other wounds. Three people required hospitalization. Two officers from the Spanish National Police and one Civil Guard officer were also injured during the operations.

Spanish authorities said the figures remain provisional, noting that the death toll and migration statistics could change as rescue efforts, identification procedures, and return operations continue.