A new surge in attempts to cross the border by sea has been recorded in Ceuta. Over the past weekend, nearly thirty teenagers from Morocco embarked on a dangerous swim despite a raging storm and high waves. Most of them set off from the city of Fnideq, which locals still call Castillejos.
Such attempts are usually made by young men, but this time rescuers on the beach near the El Tarajal border witnessed an unusual scene: a woman and her six-year-old son emerged from the water after braving the dangerous waters. Cases like this are extremely rare, surprising even experienced security personnel.
Young people deliberately choose stormy weather for these crossings. On such days, Moroccan border guards patrol the sea less frequently, lowering the risk of interception. In the evenings, groups of teenagers can be seen on the beaches of Fnideq, closely observing the conditions at sea as they wait for the right moment to start.
A strong easterly wind that began on Friday has made the work of Spanish border guards and rescuers significantly more difficult. Patrols along the coast have been reinforced, and special units that usually watch the barriers have moved closer to the water. Despite these measures, the flow of people trying to cross the border has not decreased, though it’s usually easier to control the situation in calmer conditions.
Morocco has seen ongoing youth protests in recent weeks, sparked by dissatisfaction with the economic situation and corruption. However, according to local officials, there has not been a noticeable surge in border crossing attempts amidst these events. Nonetheless, pressure on Spanish law enforcement is increasing, and professional associations have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of resources for rescue operations.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 2,600 migrants have arrived in Ceuta by land and sea—an increase of a quarter compared to the same period last year. In 2024, the number of such crossings has more than doubled, posing a significant challenge for local authorities and support services.
The city is officially equipped to accommodate just 27 unaccompanied minors, but their current number exceeds 500. The authorities of Ceuta and Melilla appealed to the central government back in August for assistance and the relocation of some children to other regions. Over the past month, about twenty teenagers have been transferred to the mainland, with each case reviewed individually.
The Temporary Reception Center for Migrants (CETI) has long been operating over capacity—while it is designed for 512 people, there are now twice as many residents. Authorities are accelerating the process of transferring migrants to the mainland to somewhat relieve the overcrowded facilities.
The weather conditions chosen by teenagers for crossing are extremely dangerous. Fog, strong waves, and cold water often lead to tragedy. This year alone, 36 bodies of deceased migrants have been found in the waters near Ceuta. The most recent victim was a 23-year-old man from Algeria, whose body was discovered just 200 meters from La Ribera beach, near the El Tarajal border.
