Spain Border Breach Turns Deadly, 18 Migrants Killed

In what could be one of the largest border breaches in recent times, thousands of migrants tried to barge into the small city of Ceuta in Spain from the neighbouring Morocco. Unfortunately, the chaos has resulted in the death of several people and many injured.

Tragically, at least eighteen people lost their lives while attempting the dangerous journey. Most victims drowned in heavy waters while trying to swim past coastal sea barriers. Search crews and rescue divers were deployed to find stranded swimmers.

Ceuta forms one of only two land borders between Africa and the European Union. Because of this location, many people view the area as a direct route to seek asylum in Europe. Migrants often try swimming around breakwaters or climbing over tall wire fences.

Though the exact reason for the sudden influx into Spain is not yet ascertained, it believed that a series of events triggered the migration. The King of Morocco recently granted a royal pardon to thousands of prisoners during a national celebration.

Many people believe that some of these released prisoners went straight to the border. Human traffickers also pushed people to make the crossing. A recent court decision in Spain also played a key role. The Spanish Supreme Court ruled that migrants who enter by sea cannot be sent back immediately without legal procedure.

News about this ruling spread quickly on social media, leading many young people to believe they could stay if they swam into the city. Strong waves and deep water make swimming around the sea barriers risky.

The Spanish government has immediately stepped to control the border security and avoid further fatalities.