Over 50 Children Swim from Morocco to Ceuta in Dangerous Conditions

At least 54 children and approximately 30 adults made the perilous swim from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Saturday, navigating rough seas and thick fog. Spanish television channel RTVE reported that the Civil Guard engaged in multiple rescue operations to assist the swimmers, while others managed to reach the enclave on their own.

The majority of the children involved in this crossing were of Moroccan nationality. Once they arrived in Ceuta, they were transported to temporary centers, prompting local authorities to call for assistance from Spain’s central government to manage the influx of newcomers. “Don’t leave us alone. This is a matter of state. This has to be resolved,” stated Juan Rivas, a representative of the Ceuta regional government, during a press briefing.

This incident echoes a similar event on August 26, 2022, when hundreds of migrants took advantage of dense fog to swim to Ceuta from Morocco. Local police reported that this has become a recurring scenario, with individuals attempting to cross in challenging conditions. In 2021, a boy was observed floating on empty plastic bottles during his attempt to reach the enclave.

Ceuta, along with its neighboring enclave Melilla, represents the only land borders between the European Union and Africa. These territories frequently experience waves of attempted crossings by migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Under current policy, Moroccan nationals detained during these crossings are typically returned to Morocco unless they are minors or apply for asylum. Migrants from other nationalities are placed in special centers, where they receive temporary shelter and are usually released after several days.

Tragically, the risks associated with these crossings were highlighted three years ago when at least 23 people lost their lives in a stampede as around 2,000 migrants attempted to breach the border fence into Melilla. The ongoing situation at Ceuta and Melilla underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing migration and the pressing humanitarian concerns that arise from such perilous journeys.