'Thousands and Thousands' Swimming Their Way Into Europe

Spain's prime minister has blamed trafficking gangs after about 60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. At least 57 people died during the surge, according to local media.

Pedro Sánchez called the incident a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity". Italy has responded by suspending the EU's border-free Schengen arrangements with Spain.

The influx comes after Spain's Supreme Court ruled that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla, another Spanish enclave, cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.

As of Friday evening, more than 48,000 people had voluntarily returned to Morocco, Spanish officials said.

One man told Reuters news agency he was going back, adding: "It's not good at all, and it's not fun either. I mean, people are dying here. I beg you, please, if you haven't come yet, don't come. Don't do it."

Carmen Gonzalez Bermudez who was in the city to see her parents told the BBC that the past day had been "very overwhelming".

She said she saw "thousands and thousands of people in swimming costumes and all wet, just coming from the sea", adding that "I know most of them are nice people just looking for a better future for themselves. But we cannot give that to them".

- Authors: Sofia Ferreira Santos and Sarah Rainsford, BBC

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