The number of people who died during a mass attempt by migrants to cross from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta has risen to 67, as Spain and the European Union grapple with the humanitarian and political fallout from the crisis.

Spanish authorities said tens of thousands of migrants tried to enter Ceuta by land and sea this week, overwhelming border security. Many of the victims are believed to have drowned during the dangerous crossings.

Officials estimated that between 50,000 and 60,000 people attempted the journey, although many later returned voluntarily to Morocco after struggling to find food and shelter in Ceuta.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticised several European Union member states for what he described as an unhelpful response to the crisis. He condemned decisions by Italy and France to tighten border checks, arguing that the actions reflected division rather than solidarity.

Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, has called an emergency meeting of ministers to discuss the migration surge and coordinate a regional response.

Meanwhile, Spanish authorities have begun installing a floating barrier near the Tarajal breakwater, one of Ceuta’s main entry points, while maintaining that migrants entering the enclave cannot move freely to mainland Spain without undergoing identity and visa checks.

The Spanish government blamed the mass crossings on misinformation circulating on social media following a recent Supreme Court ruling on migrant deportations. Officials said many migrants were misled into believing they could enter Spain more easily, prompting thousands to make the risky journey.