Over 50 Children Swim to Safety in Ceuta from Morocco

At least 54 children and approximately 30 adults undertook a perilous swim from Morocco to Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on Saturday, navigating challenging sea conditions and dense fog. This incident marked a significant attempt by migrants to reach European soil, as reported by Spanish television channel RTVE.

The Civil Guard launched rescue operations, capturing harrowing footage of swimmers battling rough waters. While some managed to reach the shores of Ceuta, others required assistance from rescuers. The children, predominantly of Moroccan origin, were subsequently transported to temporary facilities in Ceuta. Local authorities are calling for urgent support from the central government to address the influx of arrivals.

Juan Rivas, a representative of the Ceuta regional government, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Don’t leave us alone. This is a matter of state. This has to be resolved.” His comments reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the region in managing migrant crossings.

This latest incident is not an isolated one. On August 26, 2022, local police reported that hundreds of migrants also swam to Ceuta, taking advantage of foggy conditions. Previous attempts to cross the border have drawn attention to the risks involved. In 2021, a boy was seen attempting the journey while floating on empty plastic bottles.

Ceuta and its sister enclave, Melilla, represent the only land borders between the European Union and Africa. These territories frequently encounter surges of migrants attempting to enter Europe, often under perilous circumstances.

In the wake of such crossings, Moroccan nationals who are apprehended are typically returned immediately to Morocco, unless they are minors or seeking asylum. Individuals from other nationalities are housed in special centers, where they are provided with temporary shelter for a few days before being released.

The plight of migrants attempting to breach these borders has been underscored by tragic events in the past. Three years ago, at least 23 individuals lost their lives during a stampede when around 2,000 migrants attempted to storm into Melilla, overwhelming security forces and pushing against the border fence.

The situation remains critical as authorities in Ceuta and Melilla grapple with the complexities of migration and humanitarian needs along the EU’s frontier with Africa.