Lead

The government of Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the northern coast of Africa, has stated that the death toll from the recent influx of migrants has risen to 88, as reported by the EFE news agency. The announcement follows a period of mass crossings that saw tens of thousands of people enter the enclave by swimming or walking around the breakwater separating it from Morocco.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, has provided the most detailed coverage of the crisis, drawing on statements from Spanish and Moroccan officials as well as Spanish media reports. Its reports have tracked the evolving number of fatalities, the scale of the migrant influx, and the response by Spanish authorities, including the deployment of troops.

One report, citing EFE, noted that on August 2 the Spanish government's press office reported 72 fatalities, while Moroccan authorities reported 11 deaths. The new figure of 88, announced by the Ceuta government on August 3, represents a higher combined total. Earlier reports had cited different numbers, including at least 67 deaths as of August 1 and at least 75 deaths as of August 5, according to the Spanish government.

The varying figures reflect the difficulty of accounting for casualties during the chaotic crossings. A report from late July cited the mayor-president of Ceuta, Juan Jesus Vivas, as saying that at least 34 migrants had died while trying to swim to the city, a number later revised upward.

Key Claims

  • The Ceuta government stated that the death toll from the migrant influx has risen to 88, according to EFE.
  • The Spanish government's press office reported 72 fatalities on August 2, and Moroccan authorities reported 11 deaths.
  • Earlier reports included at least 67 deaths as of August 1 and at least 75 deaths as of August 5, according to Spanish sources.
  • Tens of thousands of migrants reached Ceuta, with estimates ranging from 50,000 (Interior Ministry) to 60,000 (city officials) in late July. A later report cited about 72,000 illegal migrants entering the city.
  • About 69,500 migrants returned to Morocco over a 30-hour period, according to security officials quoted by EFE. Another report suggested about 70,000 migrants are believed to have returned.
  • The number of illegal migrants who arrived in Ceuta by land between January and July surged by 164.1 percent compared with the same period in 2025, the Spanish Interior Ministry reported. The ministry said 3,835 illegal immigrants entered Ceuta this year versus 1,452 in the same period last year, noting that these figures do not include July 30-31 data.
  • King Philip VI of Spain expressed his "concern and outrage" over the crossing of thousands of migrants to Ceuta, according to EFE. He said the state must ensure the safety of autonomous cities and prevent a recurrence of such events.
  • The Spanish authorities deployed troops to help ensure security in Ceuta amid the crisis.

Perspectives

Spanish Government

The Spanish government has provided official statistics on migrant arrivals and deaths, and has deployed troops to Ceuta to maintain security. Interior Ministry data showed a significant rise in illegal entries this year, excluding the late July surge.

Ceuta Government

The Ceuta government, through Mayor-President Juan Jesus Vivas, reported the highest death toll figure and estimated that the migrant influx reached about 60,000 people, or 70% of the city's population.

Moroccan Authorities

Moroccan authorities reported 11 deaths, a figure that is lower than the Spanish government's count, and security officials indicated large numbers of migrants returning to Morocco.

Spanish Crown

King Philip VI expressed concern and outrage over the crossings, emphasizing the need for measures to support the people of Ceuta and Melilla and to prevent similar events in the future.