Why do Spain and Morocco report different migrant death tolls for Ceuta?

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Divergent Migrant Death Tolls Reported by Spain and Morocco for Ceuta Incident

Spain and Morocco have reported significantly different figures for the number of migrant deaths during the recent surge towards Ceuta, with Spain’s toll being substantially higher. Morocco’s interior ministry stated that 11 individuals died, including 10 who drowned and one who fell from a rocky area. In contrast, Spain reported a minimum of 72 fatalities. These discrepancies highlight differing methodologies and potentially broader issues in how the events are being accounted for by each nation.
Discrepancy in Official Fatality Counts

Morocco's interior ministry announced an official toll of 11 deaths resulting from the mass crossings into Ceuta. This figure was later detailed by a ministry spokesman, who specified the causes of death for the victims. Spain, however, presented a much higher figure, indicating that at least 72 people lost their lives during the same period. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) has put forward an even higher estimate, suggesting "nearly 130 victims" with many more still unaccounted for and presumed missing.
Morocco Cites Social Media and Legal Misinterpretations

The Moroccan interior ministry attributed the surge in attempted crossings and subsequent deaths to the "malicious exploitation" of social media and the "spread of misleading information" among potential migrants. Furthermore, the ministry pointed to "misinterpretations of legal provisions," specifically referencing a Spanish Supreme Court ruling from July 8. This ruling, according to Morocco, may have led to misunderstandings regarding the expedited return of sea migrants.
Scale of Attempted Crossings

Moroccan authorities reported a vast number of attempts to enter Ceuta illegally, estimating that 40,000 such attempts were made. In addition to the situation in Ceuta, the ministry also noted that 1,135 individuals attempted to cross into Melilla, another Spanish territory further east, but were immediately returned to Morocco. Spain's figures suggest that over 60,000 people successfully entered Ceuta during the recent influx, though most have since been returned to Moroccan territory.

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Why do Spain and Morocco report different migrant death tolls for Ceuta?

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