Hundreds of Migrants Swim from Morocco to Spanish Enclave of Ceuta

Hundreds of migrants swam across the narrow stretch of water separating Morocco from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday, in one of the largest single crossing events recorded at this frontier.

The leadership of Ceuta described the influx as overwhelming local resources and made an urgent appeal to the central government in Madrid for additional support. The crossing is one of the most dangerous migration routes into Europe, with strong currents and patrol vessels present in the strait.

The surge in crossings comes amid continuing pressure on migration routes into southern Europe, with Ceuta's geographic position as the closest Spanish territory to Africa making it a focal point for those attempting to reach EU territory from the African continent.