67 Migrants Die Trying to Reach Spanish Enclave of Ceuta

The perilous journey from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has claimed the lives of 67 migrants, with Spanish Civil Guard officers recovering 10 bodies at sea on Friday afternoon, increasing the confirmed death toll. Search teams continued their efforts on Saturday morning in the waters near Ceuta.

Officials stated that the majority of the deceased drowned while attempting to swim from the Moroccan coastal city of Fnidek to Ceuta. Others tried to enter the enclave by scaling the border fences. Images from the scene showed numerous inflatable rafts and car tires used by migrants for their sea crossing.

The influx of people tested the European Union's unity, leading to urgent actions. Ireland, holding the EU Council presidency, announced an emergency meeting for member state experts on Saturday and a meeting of EU ambassadors on Monday to assess the situation and coordinate the bloc's response. Discussions are expected to focus on supporting Spain, repatriating migrants to Morocco, and diplomatic engagement with Rabat.

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner attempted to reassure member states, stating, "No person has entered the continental European Union." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected criticism from some EU states, emphasizing that "solidarity and compassion are a choice. However, respect for European treaties and facts is not." He highlighted that Spain is not the primary gateway for irregular migration into the 27-member bloc, citing EU data.

In response to the events, Italy's right-wing government temporarily suspended the Schengen free movement regime for Spain, reintroducing border checks for air and sea arrivals. Meanwhile, police intensified security at another Spanish enclave, Melilla, following unrest at its border.