1100 migrants rescued off Italy's coast

Some 1100 migrants have been rescued as part of 11 rescue operations by authorities in the Channel of Sicily, the Italian Coast Guard says.

Migrants raise their arms as they are rescued at sea by the Italian Navy Marina Militare Fulgosi vessel in this image made available Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016. Source: AAP

Migrants were picked up on Sunday from eight rafts, a boat and two punts by three units of the Italian Navy and the vessel Astral, which is operated by the "Open Arms" NGO, according to public broadcaster Rai.

According to data from the Italian Interior Ministry, an estimated 100,328 migrants have crossed the Mediterranean from the North African coast this year, until August 9.

After reaching Italian shores, many of the migrants begin their journey to reach countries in northern Europe.