The death toll from last week’s mass migration attempt into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has risen to 72, according to Spanish authorities, as families in Morocco anxiously await news of missing relatives. Approximately 60,000 individuals crossed into the enclave within 24 hours, marking one of the largest unauthorized migrant surges in recent European Union history.
Many of those who attempted the crossing were young Moroccans driven by hopes of better economic opportunities abroad. Among them was Mohammed, a 15-year-old from Tetouan, whose sister Amina Saadoun has been searching for him since he left home on Thursday. Families like Saadoun’s describe the heavy toll of loss and uncertainty, with funerals held across Morocco for those who drowned, including young children with aspirations like playing football.
Witnesses and returnees recount harrowing experiences during the crossing. Hamza, 23, escaped into Ceuta after several failed attempts but returned to Morocco soon after amid hunger and fears of violence. He described thousands attempting the swim in tepid waters, many inexperienced swimmers clinging to others for safety. Injuries were widespread, with Spanish health workers reporting more than 1,100 treatments over a weekend.
The migrants’ decisions were often influenced by social media messages suggesting the border would remain open, a factor that contributed to the sudden influx. Many ventured out for the first time, sometimes selling possessions to fund the journey. One 16-year-old boy, Abdulaal, after returning, expressed resolve not to try again, underscoring the dangers of the crossing.
The incident has ignited debate over its causes. The president of Ceuta’s city government, Juan Jesús Vivas, criticized Morocco’s role, asserting that the border could not have been crossed by so many without Moroccan authorities’ approval. He accused Morocco of mistreating the frontier and undermining Spanish control. Spain’s central government, however, has refrained from directly criticizing Rabat, amid broader diplomatic sensitivities.
Among those who did not survive was a six-year-old boy named Rayan, whose older brother Rida returned to the Moroccan border alone, grieving and disoriented. Another family remains in anguish over Arwa, a teenager last seen swimming toward Ceuta, with no confirmation of her fate. Many mothers, sisters, and relatives continue to search for missing loved ones, moving between Moroccan police stations and deportation centers near the frontier.
The tragedy has highlighted the complex dynamics driving migration from Morocco, including economic hardship, peer pressure, and limited prospects at home. As some migrants described the impulse to leave as almost addictive despite the risks, officials from multiple countries are now discussing how to address the crisis more effectively.
European governments are set to hold an online meeting to discuss the situation, following sharp remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defending his government's handling of the events. The crisis in Ceuta has reignited debate within the EU over migration policy, exposing divisions over border management and humanitarian responses.