A mass burial has begun in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta for dozens of migrants who died while attempting to cross the border from Morocco three weeks ago.
At the enclave’s Muslim cemetery on Friday, gravediggers in protective clothing lowered the first four victims into graves as hearses continued to arrive with more bodies. Cemetery manager, Said Mohammed said about 70 bodies are expected to be buried over the coming days, with between 10 and 12 burials planned each day.
Most of the victims remain unidentified, with around 95 percent yet to be named. Numbered markers have been placed on the graves to allow bodies to be identified and repatriated later if relatives are found. Authorities say 82 migrants died on the Spanish side of the border after a mass crossing on July 30, while Morocco has confirmed 14 additional deaths.
The rush reportedly involved at least 72,000 people, with thousands still believed to be in Ceuta. Only six victims, all Moroccan adult men, have so far been identified, according to Ceuta’s latest court data.
Spanish authorities have been using fingerprints and DNA samples to identify the dead, comparing them with relatives who have come forward. Guardia Civil Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Atoche said the process has been slowed by difficulties faced by Moroccan relatives trying to legally enter Ceuta to provide DNA samples.
Families of missing migrants continue to appeal for information and search for relatives through social media and at the border.
