Guardia Civil and Maritime Rescue said autopsies will be carried out on the bodies to establish the cause of death.
Authorities did not provide further medical details, but said the investigations are part of efforts to determine what happened during the mass arrival.
Border Crossings And Current Situation
Footage of the border crossings has circulated online, with many of those who entered Ceuta described by authorities as swimming.
A similar surge of arrivals occurred in 2021, according to the information provided alongside Friday’s figures.
Morocco is located across the Strait of Gibraltar. Authorities said at least 48,000 people have already crossed back into Morocco, although they added that the border is still not under control.
In Ceuta, stores remained closed and about 80,000 residents were confined to their homes, as officials worked to manage the situation.
Statements From Ceuta And Spain
Juan Jesús Vivas, president of Ceuta, told Spanish media that the government had reacted too late.
The Spanish government said diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco remain “excellent”.
Related article: https://aseannow.com/worldnews/almost-50000-migrants-flood-spanish-enclave-of-ceuta-r1607/
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said late Thursday that the government was “fully committed to providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta”. In a post on X, he said Spain was mobilising “all necessary resources”, working with Moroccan and international authorities, and preparing measures to restore normality as soon as possible.
Sánchez added that “now is the time to build solutions, with responsibility and cooperation”.
Situation In Melilla
On the same day, authorities in Melilla, Spain’s other enclave bordering Morocco, reported that between 300 and 400 people crossed or attempted to cross the border by land or sea on Thursday.
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1 August 2026
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