Ceuta morgue fills with bodies of migrants lost at sea

A makeshift morgue established in Ceuta's former military hospital is overflowing with the bodies of migrants who perished trying to cross the border from Morocco. The facility, equipped to hold up to 200 bodies, has become a grim testament to the perilous journey many undertake.

Official figures from the Spanish government state 72 deaths, but the autonomous city government of Ceuta, led by Juan Vivas, has recorded 88 fatalities. Among the deceased are many adolescents, some women, and individuals of Moroccan and Sub-Saharan origin. The bodies are being recovered from the sea by the Guardia Civil and Moroccan authorities, with some showing signs of deterioration due to prolonged submersion.

Many of these desperate crossings occurred during a massive influx on Thursday, when migrants were crushed in a stampede attempting to reach Spain. Others drowned or died during the arduous swim, with bodies washing ashore over several weeks. The morgue is currently closed to the public, with autopsies being conducted by forensic teams, Guardia Civil, and military personnel.

Despite the dangers, migrants continue to gather in nearby Fnideq, Morocco, waiting for opportunities to cross. Dense fog, known locally as 'taró,' often blankets the Tarajal border, encouraging attempts. Spanish authorities have recently deployed a 500-meter buoy rope and submerged netting to deter and repel migrants attempting to swim ashore, in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling. Several such pushbacks were reported on Sunday.