Ceuta: anger as the Guardia Civil's flagship patrol vessel leaves for the English Channel

The withdrawal of the Guardia Civil's flagship vessel, the 'Duque de Ahumada', from the waters of Ceuta to patrol the English Channel under Frontex coordination has sparked discontent.

The flagship of the **Guardia Civil**'s Maritime Service, the **'Duque de Ahumada'**, has stopped patrolling the waters of **Ceuta** to join an operation by the **European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)** in the English Channel. The decision has fuelled criticism given the situation facing the autonomous city, marked by migratory pressure.

## European mission and EU funding

The 'Duque de Ahumada' presence in Ceuta, which began last August after a significant surge in migrant arrivals, provided a temporary boost to maritime control. However, its current deployment stems from a pre-existing funding agreement between the Spanish government and the European Union. The construction of the vessel, which involved an investment of **35 million euros**, was **90%** funded by the EU. This financial backing carries the commitment that the vessel will take part in Frontex missions for **four months a year**. The 'Duque de Ahumada' is currently in the English Channel, a common transit area for migrants attempting to cross from France to the United Kingdom. Its task is to detect, verify and track small vessels at sea, passing information to the Gris-Nez Regional Operational Centre for Surveillance and Rescue (CROSS Gris-Nez), which reports to the French authorities.

## Impact on maritime security and an uncertain future

The absence of the 'Duque de Ahumada' from Ceuta's waters has been seen as a loss of logistical and deterrent support for the smaller Guardia Civil units deployed in the area. The vessel, delivered to the Guardia Civil in **September 2025**, replaced the 'Río Miño' at the end of its service life. Its deployment on European missions, such as the current one, alternates with its service in Spanish waters, including surveillance of the rocky outcrops and islets of national interest in North Africa, which are also seeing an increase in migrant arrivals by dinghy. At the end of the month, the 'Duque de Ahumada' will be relieved on the European mission by the patrol vessel **'Río Segura'**. The flagship is scheduled to return to its base in **Cádiz** to take part in the open days of the Guardia Civil's Institutional Week. Its subsequent deployment, whether back in Ceuta or once again under the Frontex umbrella, will depend on how the situation evolves in the autonomous cities of North Africa and on the commitments undertaken.