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Ceuta Sees Record Nightly Swim Attempts as Migrants Brave Foggy Waters From Morocco

Social media coordination is driving a surge in dangerous swim attempts that evade official records.

Overview

  • Nearly 100 migrants, including dozens of unaccompanied minors, attempted to swim from Morocco to Ceuta overnight on August 10, according to the Government delegation.
  • Moroccan naval units intercepted many swimmers before they reached Spanish waters while Guardia Civil officers operated alongside Moroccan patrols in zodiacs and patrol boats.
  • Dense coastal fog and calm sea conditions have reduced visibility, making the route exceptionally hazardous for both migrants and enforcement teams.
  • Organizers use WhatsApp and other social media groups to mobilize mass sea crossings that fall outside Interior Ministry statistics.
  • Despite a 32% drop in registered boat arrivals this summer, local authorities report hundreds of untracked swim attempts, highlighting enforcement and data gaps.