Europe faces a fresh border crisis after around 60,000 migrants from Morocco crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in just 24 hours.

At least 43 people died as border security struggled to deal with the sudden influx, with extraordinary footage capturing the huge crowds making their way into Spain’s North African territory.

Some drowned in the crossing while others were killed in a stampede at the Tarajal beach fence near a border checkpoint with Morocco.

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez called the incident an “attack on Spain’s territorial integrity” and vowed to “use all the resources of the state to guarantee security and coexistence”.

Ceuta and the larger Spanish territory of Melilla that is some 250 miles east of it, are located on the Mediterranean coast at the tip of Africa. They hold the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.

The prime minister, Andy Burnham, called the scenes a “cause for concern” as the shadow home secretary Chris Philp warned Spain’s border crisis could “rapidly become our border crisis”.

The incident has also sparked a diplomatic row across Europe with Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni calling for Spain’s suspension from the Schengen zone.

Thousands of people were seen attempting to breach the border by land and sea by swimming around coastal barriers and forcing their way through land-border infrastructure. It is one of the most significant breaches of the territory’s border in years.

Rachid Sbihi, head of the association representing Guardia Civil officers in Ceuta, described the scenes as “absolute chaos” and said the border had “totally collapsed”. He said the event was a “humanitarian crisis”.

Spain has deployed police and military personnel to deal with the crisis and promised that those involved will be sent back to Morocco.

On Friday, authorities confirmed that half of the migrants had already returned, many of them voluntarily.

Moroccan forces used water cannons, batons and tear gas at the Ceuta gates to prevent more crowds storming the autonomous Spanish territory.

Mr Sanchez went on to blame gangs for the crisis, saying that they “deceive so many young people, and ultimately lead many of them to their deaths, whether in the ocean or, as in this case, at Spain’s border in the autonomous city of Ceuta”.

Right-wing leaders in Europe were quick to condemn the incident, urging tighter controls of EU borders.

Ms Meloni said that the “striking” images confirmed that “uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a concrete threat to the security of Europe’s borders”.

“Italy will not stand by and watch,” she wrote. “We are convening the relevant bodies, and following these meetings, we are prepared to intervene with extraordinary measures to defend the borders and the safety of citizens, including the suspension of the Schengen Area with Spain.

“On illegal immigration, we will not yield an inch: defending the borders, stopping human traffickers, and ensuring effective repatriations will continue to be the line of this government.”

France’s far-right politician Marine Le Pen accused the Spanish government of “encouraging” the crisis.

“Faced with the massive and coordinated influx of migrants into Spain, encouraged by the Spanish government, France must without delay strengthen controls at its borders,” she wrote in a post on X.

“And in 2027, we will put an end to this madness by reserving Schengen free movement for EU nationals.”

President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen called for the swift return of migrants to Morocco, while German chancellor Friedrich Merz said: “The protection of the EU’s external borders is crucial for combating illegal migration.

“I support Spain’s intention not to allow illegal migrants onto the European continent. The EU’s Return Directive must now be implemented without delay.”

The surge is reportedly linked to a recent ruling by Spain’s supreme court, which concluded that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be deported or returned back under new rules. The decision does not apply to crossings by land.

Mr Sanchez said that the ruling had been misinterpreted.

“It appears that this interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling spread like wildfire over the past few hours through the networks of human trafficking organisations, triggering the kind of mass surge we witnessed yesterday,” he said.

Juan Jesus Vivas, mayor-president of Ceuta, called on the government to declare a national emergency. The interior ministry rejected the calls on the grounds that migration did not constitute a national emergency, but vowed to provide additional resources.

Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo described the situation as a “national security crisis” and urged the government to take stronger action.

Anti-social behaviour, addiction, mental health issues, rough sleeping – police officers on the beat in Belfast city centre deal with such issues each day, often working outside of their general policing remit.

PSNI sergeant Dave McKinley said there is a crisis in the city centre, with much more joined up thinking needed from those at the highest level right down to the ground.

It comes as the police’s Central Neighbourhood Policing Team has increased its teams on patrol from two to three since April, allowing them to cover the city centre for longer each day. Additional resources are brought in from outside the city centre for heightened coverage on weekends.

Belfast Live spent an afternoon on patrol with the team throughout the city centre, where they chatted with rough sleepers they’ve come to know, provided reassurance to businesses, and even posed for photos with tourists.

“Issues in the city centre are becoming more and more amplified in the media,” Sgt McKinley said.

“We’re seeing addiction, vulnerability, rough sleeping, homelessness, on-street drinking, medical issues. The police become the first port of call for a lot of that stuff.

“A lot of things we deal with are not really a police matter, but we’re there. For example, officers carry naloxone to administer to a lot of drug users in the city centre who are overdosing. There is a medical crisis around addiction in the city centre, there are links with that to mental health, and it is very much a health crisis.

“Police are part of a multi-agency approach to it all, but there needs to be a lot more done to be really honest, at the highest level right down to the ground. It is a crisis, people see it every day of the week.”

Sgt McKinley said despite negative headlines, the city centre is a “statistically safe place.” The city has achieved Purple Flag accreditation for the sixth year in a row, which is awarded to cities providing a vibrant and safe night-time experience.

Belfast scored “above standard” in wellbeing, cleanliness, and safety infrastructure, aided by groups like the Community Rescue Service, SOS Bus NI, and the PSNI.

“It is statistically a safe place, but it has its issues. It’s abundantly clear for people to see the issues,” Sgt McKinley added.

“Has it got better or worse in the last few years? There are more initiatives, good progress being made, but it needs a high level approach and more cohesion and accountability within statutory agencies.”

Over the past few weeks, there has been a rise in commercial break-ins and burglaries around the city centre. Business owners have hit out at the police response, calling for more action to be taken to prevent such instances that damage independent businesses.

As well as this, businesses have reflected on the myriad of issues in the city, including intravenous drug use in broad daylight, and an increase in rough sleeping.

On this, Sgt McKinley said: “There was stuff in the news this week regarding break-ins, commercial burglaries, which for business owners was horrendous and it was highly publicised in the media. There have been arrests made, there’s been good police work done from that.

“People have been in court and remanded on the back of that, so there is good police work being done. Policing is under-resourced, city centre police are doing their best, I know firsthand how good the team is, but we need to just keep chipping away.”

Independent councillor Paul McCusker said many businesses, residents, workers, and outreach teams have been left “on edge” after recent incidents in the city centre.

He said this raises concerns ahead of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to the city for the first time, which will bring with it an expected 800,000 visitors.

Paul added: “With one of the largest cultural events ever hosted in Belfast now upon us, the public deserve confidence that robust plans are in place to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, families, performers, businesses and volunteers throughout the duration of the event.

“I am therefore calling on the PSNI and all relevant agencies to provide reassurance on the measures being put in place to maintain public safety in Belfast City Centre during the Fleadh and beyond.

“This should include a visible policing presence, proactive engagement with businesses and community organisations, and a clear commitment to tackling violence, anti-social behaviour and criminality wherever it occurs.”

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Sgt Matt Ellison from the Central Neighbourhood Policing team said their increase in patrol teams should help to provide reassurance to locals and tourists alike.

“People see a police officer on the beat on foot, and know they’re able to speak with them, and it’s the face-to-face policing people want,” he added.

“If they see a police officer on foot in the streets it can help people feel safer, and can make those involved in anti-social behaviour and crime more hesitatnt to commit crime.”

Much of neighbourhood policing, even in the city centre, is seeing many of the same people regularly and building up relationships. On their daily patrols, Sgt McKinley said they see many of the same vulnerable people.

He added: “You get to know the majority of service users and the most vulnerable people as you see them every day.

“These people are human beings, it can be very easy to dehumanise someone with addiction issues or trauma issues, or someone who is rough sleeping; we need to be very careful not to do that, and police don’t do that.

“Police are emotionally aware we’re dealing with these folk, we’re aware of trauma in the past. You get to know these people and signpost them to services. You get to know the business owners, restauranteurs, the other folk around the city centre as well as some of the characters.”

Ahead of the Fleadh Cheoil taking place in the city, Sgt McKinley said he hopes people enjoy themselves, and it can be a positive experience. He reassured that there will be a lot of police on the ground.

He said: “I hope it will be a very positive event that police can be invovled in from an engagement and community perspective.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

New and existing vineyards have been expanding their operations to cater for growing demand for English wine and a warming climate which is more suited to grapes.

Tim Spakouskas, managing director of the Yorkshire Heart Vineyard and Brewery at Nun Monkton, says the 2026 harvest “is shaping up very well and looking good.”

Tim said: “After a good early spring the vines were active and growing well, we avoided any frost incidents during a cold snap in May, which was a worrying time as a frost at that time of year can have a catastrophic impact on the crop.”

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“The summer has been great for the vines so far, they love the hot sunny weather. Vines have deep roots, the older established vine roots could easily be 20 metres or more deep, so they get all the moisture they need.”

Yorkshire Heart expects a bigger harvest this year, due in part from the number of the ripening grapes on each vine and the vineyard having 2,500 extra vines ready to produce wine this year.

Tim continued: “The vines are all in good health and the bunches of grapes are ripening more and more every day. We could be on for another early harvest.”

Peter Townsend and his father Ian at the Dunesforde vineyard in the Vale of York. (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Like other English vineyards, Yorkshire Heart uses what are known as ‘piwi’ wines, which have been specially developed for cooler climates, rather than traditional varieties like chardonnay and pinot noir.

Tim added: “The reds will definitely improve with the summer weather like it is, they will get more flavour, body and sugars in there to hopefully make a fuller bodied red wine.”

Dunesforde Vineyard at Upper Dunsforth, between York and Boroughbridge, says 2025 was “probably its best growing season” and “this year is shaping up to be remarkably similar, which has us cautiously optimistic.”

Head of Wine Peter Townsend said: “If conditions continue as they have, we’re expecting both excellent quality and, potentially, a larger crop than last year.”

Peter says the weather has been on side this year, with the grapes thriving on the warm, dry conditions, which has reduced disease pressure, allowing the vines to focus on ripening the fruit.

However, some vines would appreciate a little rain, but he says his vines are well-established, with deep roots, coping well in the drier conditions he had ever imagined.

Peter says the quality of English wine continues to improve, with Yorkshire part of that story and Dunesforde winning medals in various awards.

Paul Chasney of the Goose Beck vineyard with daughter Antonia, who is the principal winemaker. (Image: Darren Greenwood)

He added: “Every vintage tells its own story and so far, 2026 is looking like it could be another very good chapter for English wine. Here’s hoping the weather continues to smile on us for a few more weeks!”

The newly-opened Goose Beck Vineyard at Bilton-in-Ainsty, between York and Wetherby, produced its first commercial harvest in 2025, with 4,500 bottles on sale now and 1,000 bottles undergoing a secondary fermentation to make a sparkling wine. Goose Beck will also have more vines producing wine in the coming years as more vines mature.

However, the vineyard’s Paul Chasney cautioned: “It is too early to state with confidence how the 2026 harvest will turn out but despite frosts, fruit set seems to have gone well and grapes are developing well.

“The worry now is that when rain comes later in the year it will start and never stop. Wet harvests are particularly difficult. An overlay to that is that wet weather in the run up to harvest is likely to encourage mildew which in turn will affect the wine.”

A spokesperson for industry body Wine GB told the Press the UK now 1,100 vineyards and 280 wineries, with the sector going global and winning international awards.

They added: “It’s too soon to say the weather’s overall impact on this year’s UK harvest, but we’re optimistic. As you’d expect, hotter growing seasons have driven rapid expansion of UK viticulture, which last year saw us having a vintage of outstanding quality.”

A pilot has been rushed to the hospital after a US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed near a Southern California air base on Friday.

The crash near San Diego‘s Miramar Air Base has been classified as a “Class A mishap” by the US Marines. This designation represents the most severe accident category, typically involving damages over $2 million, aircraft destruction, or a service member’s death.

A Marine Corps statement did not include any details about the condition of the pilot, other than to say they ejected, were recovered and were being taken to a medical facility.

Aerial footage showed a plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, surrounded by military and firefighting vehicles, with white flame retardant covering the ground.

Candace Hadley, a spokesperson for San Diego Fire, confirmed firefighters responded to a vegetation fire near the crash site, referring further inquiries to Miramar.

The F-35B is an advanced stealth fighter variant, known for its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities, operated by the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.

Singer-songwriter Tom A. Smith will headline The Gathering Sounds in Stockton-on-Tees, performing at the Georgian Theatre on Saturday, September 26.

He leads a second wave of emerging artists set to take the stage at the grassroots festival, which spans multiple venues across the town centre.

He said: “Absolutely buzzing to tell you I’m headlining our stage in The Georgian Theatre for The Gathering Sounds Festival.

“Organiser Jimmy Beck was one of the first people to look out for me and it’s really important to me that we fill that room and that people come down to see all of the amazing new music they’ve curated.”

The Sunderland musician, who is in his early 20s, has already shared stages with major acts like Elton John, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Courteeners and Miles Kane.

He has also become a regular favourite of BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Radio X.

Also announced in the latest wave are Glasgow post-punk band Humour, Leeds alternative group Bloodworm and Manchester indie duo Fletchr Fletchr.

They join previously revealed acts including overpass, Basht., TTSSFU, Good Health Good Wealth, M60, Shelf Lives, Charlie Floyd, Swindled and Daisy Brown.

The festival will once again take over venues including KU, ARC, The Georgian Theatre, The Link, The Social Room and The Green.

It has earned a reputation for supporting artists before their big breakthrough, with past lineups featuring early appearances from acts such as The K’s, Lottery Winners, Sports Team, Sophie and the Giants and The Royston Club.

Other newly announced artists include Pyncher, Pack of Animals, The Kowloons, Andrew Johnson & The Others, Central Arcade, Honeylight, Park View, Strop and Weathership.

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Jordan Kean, from The Gathering Sounds, said: “Tom has been part of the Gathering Sounds story almost from the beginning.

“To have him back headlining one of our stages feels like a real full-circle moment.

“Around him we’ve assembled another group of artists we genuinely believe are going to have huge futures.

“That’s what Gathering Sounds is all about.”

Additional acts are still to be announced in the coming months.

For tickets and more information, visit thegatheringsounds.co.uk.

Over the last 24 hours, the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta – home to around 83,000 people – has seen an unprecedented surge in migrant arrivals.

An estimated 60,000 people from Morocco are believed to have crossed into the North African enclave that has long been a focal point for migrant attempting to reach Europe.

Dozens of people died while trying to make the crossing.

On Friday evening, Spanish officials confirmed that more than 48,000 of the migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco.

BBC’s Sarah Rainsford explains what may have triggered the surge in crossings and what happens next.

Radio host and producer Rahsaan Rogers has departed The Howard Stern Show after 16 years, marking another devastating blow to the SiriusXM program, which has reportedly undergone layoffs.

Rogers first joined Howard Stern’s long-running radio show franchise in 2010 as a producer and editor. He later transitioned to on-air work, emceeing the brand’s programs The Wrap-Up Show and Sternthology Live.

He recently announced his departure on LinkedIn, writing: “After 16 incredible years with The Howard Stern Show and the Howard Stern Channels, I’m opening a new chapter.”

Reflecting on his years-long stint at the radio show, Rogers shared some career highlights, including “hosting The Howard Stern Wrap-Up Show, serving as solo host of Sternthology Live, hosting multiple seasons of Summer School, and producing specials built from 40+ years of Stern Show archives.”

“I got to interview people I grew up admiring, direct live broadcasts in real time, and mentor some seriously talented producers along the way,” he added. “Working inside the most successful franchise in talk radio taught me how great shows actually get made: preparation, instinct, and knowing what the audience wants before they do.”

Rogers said he is now looking for his next role. “I’m exploring senior producer, executive producer, and hosting opportunities in podcasting and audio, and I’m open to consulting and freelance projects in the meantime,” he continued, calling on his network to reach out if “you’re building a show, sitting on an archive, or know someone who is.”

“To everyone I worked with over these 16 years: thank you. What a ride,” he concluded.

The news comes as former staffers have spoken out about the layoffs they faced at The Howard Stern Show.

According to The Sun, multiple sources said they were let go and offered severance packages of one week of pay for each year worked. Many former employees have rejected the initial offers and are fighting for something more substantial.

“Some people are still negotiating their exit packages,” a source told the outlet.

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The Independent has contacted The Howard Stern Show for comment.

Stern, 72, has been hosting his flagship radio show for decades alongside co-host Robin Quivers. In 2004, he signed a massive five-year, $500 million contract with Sirius Satellite Radio to transition away from terrestrial FM radio. His show eventually launched on Sirius channels, Howard 100 and Howard 101, in 2006.

The Howard Stern Wrap-Up Show, a companion talk show that dissects and discusses the events from the main program, debuted the same year, coinciding with the brand’s move to SiriusXM.

Then, in 2014, came Sternthology Live!, which originated as Sternthology, a broadcast of nostalgic clips and archival bits from The Howard Stern Show’s history. More recently, Stern launched his Summer School series in 2021. Airing during the summer months, the show acts as a stand-in for the main show during its annual summer break.

Cops swooped on the area after the man was found injured in the street in the early hours of the morning.

A man has been rushed to hospital after being found injured on a street in Glasgow.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of Friday morning when officers were alerted to an incident on Carlton Court.

Emergency services, including Police Scotland, rushed to the scene in the Tradeston area of the city around 3.30am.

The man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The extent of his injuries and current condition are not yet known. His age also remains unclear.

An investigation is underway while police try to get to the bottom of what happened.

The street remains cordoned off this evening after officers descended on the area.

According to local reports, a cordon was erected on each end of the street early this morning and remains in place. In a video shared with Glasgow Live, police officers can be seen standing guard with access to the street prohibited.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An investigation is under way after a man was found injured on Carlton Court, Glasgow around 3.30am on Friday, July 31, 2026. He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and enquiries are continuing.”

Zendaya wore a silk headscarf and summery dress as she and husband Tom Holland took a break from the red carpet for a low-key lunch in Richmond on Friday.

The actress, 29, and the actor, 30, have had a manic few months with the press tours for both The Odyssey and the latest Spider-Man film.

But on Friday they were enjoying a chilled and relaxed day out together in south-west London where Tom is from.

Zendaya looked casually chic in a white summer dress which she wore with a thin navy cardigan over the top.

She added a pair of £820 leather Maison Margiela ballet flats to her stylish ensemble and opted for a low-key makeup look.

By her side Tom dressed down in a white T-shirt and jeans and added an orange cap to his look which promoted his non-alcoholic beer brand Bero. 

The actress, 29, and the actor, 30, have had a manic few months with the press tours for both The Odyssey and the latest Spider-Man film

Their outing comes after Tom was caught swooning over his wife as she stepped onto the red carpet at the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere on Wednesday.

The pair famously met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016.

Fast forward ten years, and the pair are now married and were back on the promotional trail for their latest Spider-Man film.

The leading actor was caught off guard during an interview when fans screamed during her eye-popping arrival.

Tom choked up as he gazed at his dazzling wife on the big screen while she posed in a plunging white gown from Tamara Ralph with a silver sequin web design.

‘Who’s arrived?’ Tom said over a crowd of cheering. ‘Oh, Zendaya’s arrived. That sounds about right.’

Fans described the adorable moment as something ‘straight out of a rom-com’ as they raved over Tom being the ‘biggest green flag’.

Comments on social media read: ‘I love the way he loves her’; ‘Definition of wife guy. I’m so happy for them both!’;

‘He loves her so fully ❤️ every single molecule of her being, he LOVES’;

‘This young man is the biggest green flag ever omg. But also… that is the only correct way to react to Zendaya’; ‘I LOVE THEIR LOVE’.

While in London, Tom, Zendaya and their co-star Jacob Batalon surprised Oliver, nine, who has been raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity by running the equivalent of nine marathons in four months.

Seen at the London Spider-Man premiere on Wednesday night 

But on Friday they were enjoying a chilled and relaxed day out together in south-west London where Tom is from

Zendaya looked casually chic in a white summer dress which she wore with a thin navy cardigan over the top

She added a pair of £820 leather Maison Margiela ballet flats to her stylish ensemble and opted for a low-key makeup look

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By her side Tom dressed down in a white T-shirt and jeans and added an orange cap to his look which promoted his non alcoholic beer brand Bero

During the press tour this week, Tom called Zendaya his ‘wife’ after confirming they had tied the knot

In another public display of affection, Zendaya gushed over her husband being her ‘best friend’ during the recent press tour

Tom also admitted Zendaya has helped him cope with life in the spotlight because of the sense of ‘calm’ she brings to his life

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Their outing comes after Tom was caught swooning over his wife as she stepped onto the red carpet at the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere on Wednesday

The pair famously met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016

Fast forward ten years, and the pair are now married and were back on the promotional trail for their latest Spider-Man film

They looked relaxed in each other’s company during the stroll

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Inspired by his own family’s journey after his dad Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumour, Oliver set himself an incredible challenge: to run nine marathons, one for every year of his life, in support of the Brain Tumour Charity that had been there for his family when they needed it most.

Oliver has raised more than £16,500 to help ensure other families facing a brain tumour diagnosis receive the same vital support and hope.

His inspiring achievement earned him a very special One Big Thank You on tonight’s The One Show. 

The cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day praised his incredible efforts with Tom Holland saying: ‘That’s so cool that at such a young age you had all that drive and passion to save your dad’.

During the press tour this week, Tom called Zendaya his ‘wife’ after confirming they had tied the knot.

Seth Meyers said on Late Night: ‘We have something in common, I spent a lot of time in my day watching YouTube, podcasts and Spider-Man content and my wife is less patient about it.

‘Because I’m not in the film or connected to it in anyway, she feels like it’s a waste of time’.

Tom replied: ‘Yeah, well my wife is in the film so [that helps].’

In another public display of affection, Zendaya gushed over her husband being her ‘best friend’.

She said in an interview with MTV: ‘Well, Tom, obviously, my best friend, but being able to do these films with him is a privilege, and I love to be able to grow together and watch him. I mean, he’s the best.’

Tom also admitted Zendaya has helped him cope with life in the spotlight because of the sense of ‘calm’ she brings to his life.

He told Entertainment Tonight: ‘I think Zendaya always just brings me an unbelievable sense of calm.

‘Even in the midst of all of this craziness and traveling the world and making these movies and sometimes being really overwhelmed – because that’s what happens when you’re a human being… No one calms me down better than she does.’

PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico (AP) — Swaths of seaweed are blanketing the beaches and coastlines of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, suffocating shorelines and snuffing out marine life while spooking visitors in areas that depend heavily on tourism.

Some 27 million metric tons of self-sustaining sargassum have been recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico in July, according to a report released Friday by the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab.

The prickly seaweed covers miles of coastline, releasing a foul smell as it rots onshore.

This year marks the first time that scientists have observed sargassum growing in large quantities in areas including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, instead of being swept into those areas by ocean currents.

The algae usually reproduces asexually as it travels from Western Africa, said Brian Barnes, a marine scientist and research assistant professor at the University of South Florida. “None of this is normal,” he said. “Every year is a little bit of a new story.”

The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has been growing since 2011, dumping an increasing amount of seaweed along coastlines in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Experts have said that agricultural runoff, warming waters and changes in wind, current and rain could be factors.

The sargassum that began reproducing in the region earlier than usual this year stems from a record 40 million metric tons reported last year.

“The 2025 bloom was so big it never really left,” Barnes said. “It was enough to start a new bloom locally.”

Seaweed threatens tourism

Sargassum levels in the Caribbean reached record levels in June, while the amount present in the Gulf hit 5 million metric tons in June, nearly double last year’s record, according to the University of South Florida.

Scientists expect 2026 to be the second largest amount of sargassum recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, noting that June alone saw 34 million metric tons, which was only 10% lower than the year-earlier period.

Mexico said Thursday it plans to invest $115 million to tackle the blooming algae, which poses an environmental and economic threat. The government estimates that up to 9,000 tons reach its Caribbean coastline on the worst days. Given current resources, Mexico says it can only gather 1,200 tons of sargassum a day.

On a recent evening, Alan Vázquez closed the restaurant where he works as a waiter in the popular tourist town of Playa del Carmen because there were no customers. He had resisted closing for several hours, hoping he would receive a tip and salvage the day, but vast quantities of decomposing sargassum are turning the famed turquoise waters black, driving away tourists.

“It’s sad that such a beautiful and lively place…has ended up like this,” Vázquez said.

In Puerto Rico, sargassum blankets the waters around popular tourist areas, including La Parguera.

“I don’t recall ever having that much concentration in so many places at once,” said Waldemar Quiles, the U.S. territory’s natural resources secretary.

Much of the record sargassum reported last year ended up along Puerto Rico’s coastline, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency.

It surpassed the previous record set in 2022 with a peak of some 22 million metric tons.

“It’s not a one-off event anymore,” said Emmanuel Maldonado González, an environmental sociologist at East Carolina University. “It’s becoming a growing hazard.”

Experts warn proliferation will worsen

Patches of sargassum in open waters provide a healthy breeding ground for wildlife, including turtles, fish and seabirds, and can be “a bit of an oasis of life in the middle of the ocean,” Barnes said.

But once it’s closer to shore, it reduces oxygen in the water, smothers mangrove roots and blocks sunlight from reaching coral and sea grass.

Once it washes ashore it can prevent newly hatched sea turtles from reaching the ocean, while the heavy machinery used to remove from beaches risk destroying fragile turtle nests, scientists say.

“The coastlines are not built for this,” Barnes said.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, people are walking up to 25 feet (seven meters) on mats of seaweed before even reaching the water, according to Amy Dempsey, an environmental consultant.

“This is by far the worst I’ve seen it in the last five years,” she said. “We are getting slammed in the Virgin Islands.”

The smell of rotten eggs permeates communities where large piles of decaying sargassum emit ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

“The effects of these gases on people can be severe,” warns the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, noting it can cause nausea, headaches and lung irritation.

Used in composting and bioenergy production

Officials on the French Caribbean island of Martinique recently opened a shelter to temporarily house those affected by the toxic gases after residents protested.

So far this year, crews in Martinique have collected more than 11,500 tons of sargassum — including 638 tons in four days alone this month — according to government data. Sea barriers catch some of the seaweed, while crews on shore collect the remainder by hand, storing and processing it for composting and bioenergy production.

Researchers at the University of South Florida and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration used artificial intelligence and found that from 2003 to 2022, macroalgae blooms increased by more than 13% per year in the tropical Atlantic and Western Pacific.

Overall, the blooms reached 16.9 million square miles (43.8 million square kilometers), according to a study published earlier this year.

___

Associated Press reporter María Verza in Mexico City contributed.