Migrant deaths in Ceuta rise to 72 after border surge from Morocco

What the report says

At least 72 people have died after a sudden influx of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta over several days, according to Al Jazeera’s report on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. Spanish authorities said the flow began on Thursday and involved roughly 60,000 people, with five more bodies found along Ceuta’s coast as rescue and recovery work continued. More than 1,000 people were treated by health services, and officials said many of those who crossed had already returned to Morocco.

The article says Spanish civil guard teams were identifying the bodies, while local officials warned the toll could rise further. Some deaths were attributed to drowning, while others occurred during dangerous attempts to climb barriers or breakwaters near the enclave. Ceuta’s government representative said conditions in the city had improved but that authorities still needed to restore normality.

The surge prompted a wider response beyond Ceuta. Al Jazeera reported that 22 European Union member states called for coordinated border action, Italy temporarily suspended passport-free Schengen travel with Spain, and Spanish authorities installed a floating barrier offshore. Ceuta and Melilla are the EU’s only land borders with Africa, and both have long been entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe. The report adds that Spain says people who entered irregularly cannot freely move onward into the Schengen area.