Dozens risk lives to swim from Morocco to Spanish enclave

About 100 people, including several children, risked their lives by trying to swim from Morocco into Spain's north African enclave of Ceuta early on Saturday morning.

- Sam Jones

The territory's authorities have warned its reception system is overwhelmed and close to collapse after a rise in recent weeks in the number of people trying to reach Ceuta. More than 50 children swam across from Morocco on 26 July alone.

Dozens of people were intercepted on Saturday morning as they attempted to enter the enclave. Seven children reached the shore, where they were handed over to the regional authorities. "About 100 people tried to get in, taking advantage of the foggy conditions, which make it hard to spot people," said a spokesperson for the central government's delegation in Ceuta. "But they didn't manage to do so because the Moroccan security forces and [Spain's] Guardia Civil, working together with rescue boats, prevented them from getting to Ceuta." He confirmed the arrival of the seven children.