EU nations demand Spain Schengen suspension as Ceuta death toll hits 72

The death toll in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta has risen, with official counts varying between 72 and 88 following a sudden border influx by tens of thousands of migrants. The provisional morgue, established in a former military hospital and adapted to hold up to 200 deceased, is nearing capacity as recovery efforts continue in local waters and along border fences. Officials said the death toll increased from earlier figures as forensic teams work behind strict barriers.

According to Spain's interior ministry data cited by Ibtimes, around 60,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco over several days by land and sea, though some reports indicate 50,000 arrivals. Most have since returned voluntarily to Morocco, with more than 48,000 reportedly returning within about 48 hours. Security forces and military personnel remain heavily deployed across the territory.

The unprecedented movement was reportedly encouraged by criminal groups spreading false rumours on social media that claimed a recent immigration ruling had opened the border, according to Spanish authorities. Government explanations point to trafficking gangs taking advantage of a Supreme Court decision affecting migrants who arrive by swimming and whether they can be summarily returned. Some analysts suggested Morocco may have relaxed border controls to increase political pressure on Spain, though Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented on the allegations.

The humanitarian emergency has triggered sharp diplomatic divisions across Europe. Several member states have called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen free-movement area, accusing Madrid of failing to protect the bloc's outer frontier. Leaders have called for urgent talks in Brussels to decide how the European Union should respond.

Italy took the most far-reaching step by temporarily suspending Schengen-area air and sea travel links with Spain for one month, a move described as necessary to safeguard citizen security. Denmark and Finland publicly backed calls to reconsider Spain's participation in the passport-free zone, while France and other neighbours reinforced checks at their borders with Spain.

The political friction prompted criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who criticised what he described as the selfish response of some European partners. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares both defended the integrity of the Schengen Area. Borrell warned that no member state can unilaterally suspend another, arguing that EU law does not allow one government to simply close the Schengen area to a partner country. Albares stated that the integrity of the Schengen Area is absolutely guaranteed, emphasizing that travelers from Ceuta and Melilla cannot reach mainland Spain without police identification checks.

Local infrastructure in Ceuta has been severely strained. The city's temporary morgue continues to receive victims of drowning, prolonged submersion, and crushes near the Tarajal breakwater. Child protection services have assisted around 1,200 minors, and health services have provided medical treatments, including specialized hospital attention.

Crisis Response Overview

• Casualties: Death toll reported between 72 and 88, with ongoing recoveries by the Guardia Civil and Moroccan teams.
• Border Security: Spain installed a new 500-meter buoy line and submerged mesh barriers following a Supreme Court ruling. Nearly 3,000 security and military personnel remain stationed in the enclave.
• Diplomatic Action: Italy temporarily suspended travel links with Spain under Schengen rules, while 22 EU member states called for urgent discussions.

European leaders are preparing for an emergency video meeting to determine a coordinated response to the border influx after 22 EU member states called for urgent action. Authorities in Spain continue to accelerate the processing of irregular entries and enforce returns, while monitoring teams watch for further crossing attempts amid recurring heavy fog known as taró.