Authorities in the Spanish territory of Ceuta confirmed on Tuesday that 77 migrants lost their lives during the recent mass influx from Morocco. This updated figure revises a previous count of 75. Forensic experts and Civil Guard officials clarified that while 79 bodies were retrieved from the water, two were discovered before the surge began on July 30. Autopsies have been completed for the 77 victims, with only two individuals successfully identified via existing fingerprint records. Officials plan to share fingerprint data with Moroccan authorities to facilitate further identification of the deceased. The tragedy unfolded as many migrants attempted to swim past a coastal barrier, igniting a diplomatic rift between Spain and other EU nations. Morocco reported an additional 11 fatalities on its side of the border. While Spanish officials note that the vast majority of the 72,000 migrants who crossed have since returned to Morocco, those remaining in Ceuta continue to endure dire conditions with insufficient food, water, and shelter.
Spain confirms 77 migrant deaths following Ceuta border surge
Spanish officials have confirmed that 77 migrants died while attempting to enter the territory of Ceuta from Morocco last week, following a period of intense border crossings.
