2 Dead As 200 Africans Swim to Spain in Search of Asylum

MADRID (AP) — The latest developments as tens of thousands of people flee to Europe in search of asylum. All times local.

2:25 p.m.

Moroccan and Spanish news agencies say over 200 migrants tried swim to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta and although 180 made it, two drowned, 12 were injured and others intercepted were before reaching Spanish soil.

Citing local government sources, the Morocco state news service MAP says the migrants made the swim at around 2 a.m. but 104 were stopped by Moroccan forces.

Spanish state broadcaster TVE showed images of migrants being helped by rescue services in Spain and reported that around 180 were believed to have come ashore and that some had climbed onto a border fence.

Thousands of African migrants try to enter the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla each year hoping to reach a better life in Europe. Spain says 15 drowned trying to reach Ceuta last year.