Spanish authorities have deployed a 500-meter-long buoy off the coast of the enclave of Ceuta, saying it is intended to strengthen maritime border surveillance and prevent illegal infiltration. The buoy is described as a giant floating barrier.
Spain deployed a 500-meter floating buoy off the coast of Ceuta on Friday evening, as the death toll from the migrant surge rose to 67. Interior Minister Marleska described the buoy as a measure to strengthen maritime border control, and called Morocco a "completely reliable partner." The minister also said dozens of European countries are demanding an emergency meeting over the crisis.
The Ceuta government declared a total humanitarian and social emergency on Friday after nine bodies were found on the beach. Spanish news agency reported 57 migrants killed attempting to enter, a figure later updated to 67. CNN reported that an estimated 50,000 people attempted to cross this week, while a 9-year-old girl was reported missing and over 37,000 have returned to Morocco.
The crisis has triggered broader European repercussions. As The Zioneer reported, Italy closed its sea and air borders with Spain on Friday night, suspending the Schengen Agreement. A Spanish court ruling earlier in the week blocked the immediate return of migrants reaching Spain by sea, complicating Madrid's ability to manage the influx. Spanish forces were also deployed near Morocco earlier in the week, amid unverified Russian claims of an Israeli-American operation. The interior minister stated on Saturday that illegal entrants will not be allowed to remain in Spain, and that a maritime border line has been established.
The exact location and technical specifications of the buoy have not been released, and the death toll figure of 67 remains based on reports from Spanish and international news agencies. The longer-term impact of the barrier on the migrant flow is unclear.
9 developments
- StrongSpanish residents curse PM Sánchez, blame him for Ceuta migrant crisis
- DevelopingSpanish interior minister: illegal entrants to Ceuta will not be allowed to stay in Spain
- DevelopingCeuta governor accuses Spanish government of lying about migrant numbers, says 10,000-15,000 remain
- DevelopingMacron orders reinforced border controls with Spain amid Ceuta migrant crisis
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