Spain secures Ceuta border with floating barrier after mass crossings and 67 deaths
Spain has installed a floating barrier off the coast of Ceuta following a massive surge of migrants from Morocco that resulted in 67 deaths. The move has sparked political tension within the European Union, with some nations calling for border security changes while others criticize the barrier's effectiveness.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis regarding migration at European borders and the resulting friction between EU member states.
Spanish authorities began installing a 500-metre floating barrier off the coast of Ceuta on Saturday following an unprecedented migrant surge from Morocco that left at least 67 people dead, according to Spanish officials.The pneumatic barrier, which stands 30 to 70 centimetres above water and extends up to one metre below the surface, is being laid on the Tarajal breakwater, one of the main entry points used by migrants attempting to reach the Spanish enclave. An outer line of anchored naval buoys will reinforce the structure, with a channel between the barriers allowing Civil Guard vessels to patrol the area.The move came after an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people crossed into Ceuta by land and sea from Thursday in one of the largest migrant surges at a European Union land border with Africa.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in