Migrant Crisis in Ceuta: Death Toll Rises to 72 as Spain Deploys Floating Barriers

Madrid, August 2: Spain has deployed a floating maritime barrier at its North African enclave of Ceuta to address the ongoing migrant crisis. This decision was made on Sunday to tighten border control measures.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the floating barrier near Tarajal Beach in Ceuta is now fully operational. Its purpose is to prevent illegal crossings via the sea. Recently, thousands of migrants, many of whom arrived by swimming, have reached this area.

Spanish authorities reported that the official death toll related to this crisis has now risen to 72.

The regional government of Ceuta stated that 88 bodies are currently stored in the city’s morgue. Local officials noted that some of these bodies were recovered from the sea more than two weeks after the surge of migrants began. The identification process for these bodies is still ongoing. Although the influx of migrants has significantly decreased, conditions in Ceuta have not yet returned to normal.

On Sunday, police and military personnel continued security operations throughout the city. Migrants found on the streets were detained and taken to police stations for identification before the legal process for their repatriation began.

This significant influx of migrants has become one of the most serious border-related challenges in Spain’s recent history. As a result, the Spanish government has had to take emergency measures, sparking renewed discussions across Europe about migration management and the security of the European Union’s external borders.

A meeting of EU interior ministers has been scheduled for August 4 to discuss the ongoing migrant crisis in Ceuta.

According to Italy’s news agency Adnkronos, the meeting was called following a letter sent by 22 European countries. This initiative was led by Italy and Denmark, although neighboring countries France and Portugal did not sign the letter.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen received the letter from the 22 countries and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which led to an agreement to hold an emergency video conference to assess the crisis situation.

She reiterated the need for cooperation among all countries to address illegal migration and a unified response across Europe.