Death toll of Moroccan migrants trying to enter Ceuta rises to 72

The number of people killed during the mass crossing of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has reached 72, Reuters reports, citing local authorities.

Five bodies were found off the coast of Ceuta. Since the start of the crisis, more than 1,000 people have received medical assistance.

Some of the migrants drowned, while others died in a crush while trying to get over a breakwater and the border fence.

More than 50,000 people have crossed the border by land and sea since the mass crossing began on July 30.

Over the following two days, more than 48,000 of them returned to Morocco. The Spanish authorities have stepped up police and army patrols and installed a 500-meter floating barrier off the coast.