Ceuta resident aids migrants as risky sea crossings continue

Scores of migrants entered the North African enclave on Thursday by sea, with many swimming around the frontier before scrambling onto rocks and beaches.

One resident was seen throwing a lifebuoy into the water to help those struggling to reach land, while others arrived visibly exhausted and were assisted by emergency responders. Some migrants were placed in wheelchairs or recovery positions by Spanish authorities after reaching shore.

The resident said he had learned through social media that the so-called harraga — migrants who attempt the crossing by swimming — believed they could no longer be returned after arriving in Ceuta.

"When they found out about that, they all jumped into the water," he said. "To be honest, it really breaks my heart to see so many people suffering, and who knows how many have actually drowned along the way."

He also questioned the expectations many migrants have before making the dangerous journey.

"I don't understand why they're led to believe that there's a future here," he said. "When they arrive, they're faced with the harsh reality that they have nothing, and that people treat them as if they were nobody."

Among those who completed the crossing, one migrant said he had been swimming "since 6 or 7" in the morning before reaching Ceuta. Another, when asked whether many more people were waiting to cross from Morocco, replied: "Yes, a lot."

Migration from Morocco into Spain's North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla has long been a politically sensitive issue between Madrid and Rabat, with sea crossings continuing despite the dangers involved.