At least 54 children and around 30 adults swam from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa, in rough, fog-covered seas, Spanish media reported.

Spanish television channel RTVE showed several images of Spanish Civil Guard boats making repeated rescue attempts to take people to safety, while others continued to swim to the enclave of Ceuta.

The children, mostly Moroccans, were taken to temporary reception centers in Ceuta, where local authorities asked the Central Government for help with the latest arrivals.

“We don’t want to cause alarm, but we want to convey that this is a critical moment.” 

"Don't leave us alone. This is a matter of state. This must be resolved.", said Juan Rivas, the President of the regional government of Ceuta.

On August 26th of last year, hundreds of migrants took advantage of dense fog to swim from neighboring Morocco to Ceuta, local police reported. In 2021, a child was found holding on to empty plastic bottles to stay afloat, attempting to reach Ceuta.

Three years ago, at least 23 people died in a mass crossing attempt, in which around 2000 migrants tried to invade Melilla, even breaking down the border fence.

The two Spanish enclaves on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, Ceuta and Melilla, share the European Union's only land borders with Africa. These enclaves experience sporadic waves of attempted crossings by migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Moroccan citizens detained during the crossings are immediately returned to Morocco, unless they are minors or request asylum. People of other nationalities are typically taken to special centers, where they receive shelter and are released after a few days.

The newly arrived children join the 460 minors already in the care of local authorities, who have long since exceeded the capacity of 132 places to provide a dignified welcome.

Picture: © 2025 Faro TV