Spain: Hundreds of migrants attempt to swim toward Ceuta

The North African enclave's leader said resources were being overwhelmed after so many people entered by sea from Morocco.

Officials in the tiny Spanish coastal territory of Ceuta have asked for a national emergency to be declared after thousands of migrants arrived from Morocco.

Spain's Civil Guard, maritime Rescue Services and the Red Cross said they rescued migrants from the water. The interior minister acknowledged the country was facing an "extraordinary, exceptional situation."