More than 48,000 migrants return from Ceuta to Morocco
Photo: Migrants attempt to cross the Morocco–Spain border on July 31 (Getty Images)
Spain has returned the vast majority of undocumented migrants to Morocco, El País reports.
More than 48,000 migrants leave Ceuta
According to Spain's Interior Ministry, more than 48,300 departures to Morocco had been recorded by 6:00 p.m.
This means that only about 1,700 of those who entered Spain remain in Ceuta, the outlet reported.
Fatalities on the route to Ceuta
Reports also indicate that nearly 60 bodies have been recovered from the sea near Ceuta.
At least 57 people died while attempting to reach Spain. Most of them drowned while trying to swim around the border breakwater at El Tarajal.
The death toll could rise in the coming hours.
A search operation is ongoing in the waters near the border, involving two diving teams (eight officers) from the Civil Guard's Special Underwater Activities Group (GEAS).
As previously reported, France has tightened controls along its border with Spain in response to the migration crisis in Ceuta, deploying additional security forces, aircraft, and drones.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Italy's Interior Ministry had ordered the closure of its sea and air borders with Spain.
US President Donald Trump also said he had been watching the catastrophe unfolding in Spain, describing it as resembling an "invasion."
