Ceuta, Aug. 1 -- At least 57 people have died in the massive migration surge at the border between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.

Citing authorities in Ceuta, CNN reported that many of the fatalities occurred as people drowned while massive crowds overwhelmed border guards along both land and sea routes on Thursday.

An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants attempted to enter the small territory, which has a resident population of just 84,000, since Thursday morning, CNN reported, citing figures from Spain's Interior Ministry and Ceuta's regional government.

However, Spanish officials informed that the majority of those who crossed had returned to Morocco by Friday evening.

While Spanish officials stated their intention to swi...