Death Toll in Spain's Ceuta Migrant Crisis Rises to 72

The death toll from the recent migrant surge into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta has climbed to 72 after five more bodies were recovered along the coastline on Sunday.

Spanish authorities said around 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco by land and sea over the past few days, creating one of the largest migration crises in the enclave's history.

More than 1,000 people have received medical treatment since the influx began, while officials say over 48,000 migrants have already returned to Morocco within 48 hours.

Authorities have launched efforts to identify the victims through fingerprint and DNA analysis. Many of those who died reportedly drowned while attempting to swim into Ceuta, while others were crushed during attempts to climb border barriers.

Spain has reinforced security by deploying additional police and military personnel and installing a floating barrier along Ceuta's coastline to prevent further crossings.

The crisis has sparked concern across Europe, with several European Union member states calling for a coordinated response to manage the situation and strengthen border security.

Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's two autonomous territories in North Africa, remain key entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe, often through dangerous sea crossings.

Spanish officials said the situation has begun to stabilize, although search and recovery operations continue and the death toll could still rise.

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