FNIDEQ, Morocco/CEUTA, Spain: Migrants who swam or jumped over fences to rush into Spain’s African enclave of Ceuta this week were returning home on Saturday, with many saying hunger, exhaustion and hostility from locals had crushed their hopes of a new life in Europe. Those heading back told Reuters they had initially been drawn by viral social-media videos and messages from friends suggesting that the heavily guarded border could be breached. But after reaching Ceuta, many said they found no way to continue onwards to mainland Spain.

While good weather usually brings a surge in migrant crossings by sea in the summer, Ceuta authorities said the current number of swimmers is unusual. #EuropeNews

Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta at the country’s northern tip, overwhelming border security, local authorities said Wednesday.