According to several non-governmental organizations, at least 141 migrants have died during a recent wave of attempts to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. The NGOs, including Caminando Fronteras, reported the figure on August 8, 2026, based on testimonies from survivors and families of the missing.
The deaths occurred over the past weeks as hundreds attempted to swim or use makeshift rafts to reach the enclave, often in dangerous conditions. Many are believed to have drowned or died from hypothermia. The exact number of deaths is difficult to verify independently, as authorities have not released official figures.
The Spanish government has not yet commented on the NGOs' report. However, the incident has reignited debate over migration policies in the region, with human rights groups calling for safer pathways and better search-and-rescue operations.
Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's two North African enclaves, have long been flashpoints for irregular migration. The latest tragedy underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges at Europe's southern borders.
