The number of migrants who have drowned while attempting to cross into Ceuta has risen to 67, according to Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who announced the update on Saturday. The figure marks a grim escalation in the crisis unfolding along the border between Spain’s North African enclave and Morocco. Grande-Marlaska described the situation as “traurige, dramatische Ereignisse” (“sad, dramatic events”) during a press conference in Ceuta. Despite the rising death toll, he noted that the night had been relatively calm with no new arrivals. “Within less than 48 hours, the situation in Ceuta has fundamentally changed, and normality is returning,” he stated. The minister also revealed that workers had begun installing a barrier in the sea near the Moroccan border, aimed at preventing migrants from swimming across. This measure was part of a plan initially proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his visit to the area on Friday. Meanwhile, Sánchez sent a strongly worded letter to EU Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing deep concern over the recent responses of some European governments. He accused these governments, particularly Italy, of lacking solidarity and failing to support Spain’s efforts. Sánchez claimed that certain nations were acting based on prejudice, misinformation, ignorance, or political self-interest, all of which violated European law. Spain's call for action triggered immediate responses from 22 European countries, including Italy and Denmark, which joined Germany’s Chancellor Merz in drafting a letter urging an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers. The letter called for potential support for Spain and coordination of control measures at the EU’s external borders. The Irish government, currently holding the EU presidency, confirmed plans for an extraordinary meeting of interior ministers on Tuesday, following a crisis session on Saturday involving EU officials. The discussions will focus on evaluating developments, assessing support for Spain, and advancing diplomatic efforts with Morocco. Meanwhile, authorities in Ceuta have been actively repatriating migrants back to Morocco. According to reports from El País, more than 48,000 of the total 50,000 migrants voluntarily returned to the Moroccan side on Friday after facing severe hardships, including difficulty accessing basic necessities like water and sleeping outdoors. Officials in Ceuta have also arranged for young Moroccans to be transported home via chartered buses. These efforts reflect attempts to manage the influx and provide relief to stranded individuals. In addition to Ceuta, the situation in the other Spanish North African territory, Melilla, has drawn attention. On Saturday, police reportedly secured the border with Morocco, as shown in footage from state television RTVE featuring Guardia Civil vehicles patrolling the area with blue lights. Earlier in the week, around 500 people attempted to enter Melilla from Morocco, throwing stones at security personnel and prompting the use of tear gas. It remains unclear whether any of the migrants successfully entered the city. The crisis underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Spain in managing its northern African territories, particularly in relation to migration flows. As the situation continues to evolve, the EU faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian concerns and coordinate a unified response. With tensions high and lives lost, the coming days will likely see further diplomatic engagement and policy adjustments aimed at stabilizing the region.
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