Around 3,000 Moroccan migrants cross into Spanish territory

Authorities in Spain say around 3,000 Moroccans, 1,000 of whom are presumed to be minors, crossed into the Spanish northern African enclave of Ceuta

MADRID -- Around 3,000 Moroccans, a third of whom were presumed to be minors according to Spanish authorities, swam and used inflatable boats Monday to cross into Ceuta, the largest number of migrant arrivals in a single day into Spain's enclave in northern Africa. A young male drowned attempting the crossing and various others, including toddlers, were rescued suffering from hypothermia, health authorities said. The influx followed the souring of Spain's relations with Morocco, its southern partner and key ally on controlling migration flows, over Madrid's decision to allow the leader of a militant group fighting for independence from Morocco to receive hospital treatment. Ceuta and nearby Melilla are regarded as a stepping stone into Europe for African migrants. Hundreds of them risk injuries or death every year while trying to jump over fences, hide inside vehicles or by swimming around breakwaters that extend several meters into the Mediterranean Sea.