Spain installs sea barrier after migrant flows to Ceuta

Spain is deploying a 500-meter floating barrier near its border with Morocco in the North African exclave of Ceuta, responding to a significant influx of migrants in recent days. The measure aims to control the flow of people attempting to reach the Spanish territory.

This week saw an estimated 60,000 migrants enter Ceuta. Spanish authorities reported that over 48,000 have since returned to Morocco. The situation has been marked by tragedy, with Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, stating that at least 67 people died while trying to cross the border from Morocco into Ceuta.

Civil Guard police began installing the new barrier on Saturday morning at a primary crossing point used by migrants. The barrier is designed to extend between 30 to 70 centimeters above the water's surface and can submerge up to one meter. Images from the scene showed Spanish soldiers and police patrolling the Tarajal beach, which was largely empty.

The installation of the barrier highlights Spain's efforts to manage migration flows into its enclaves in North Africa, a route that has seen increased pressure. The operation underscores the complex and often perilous journey undertaken by migrants seeking to reach Europe.

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At least 67 people died trying to cross the border from Morocco to Ceuta.