Mediterranean migrant deaths a record

More than 3770 migrants and refugees have died in 2015 trying to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea, making the year the deadliest on record for those seeking sanctuary.

Two German ships rescued more than 1,400 migrants from Mediterranean waters Source: Reuters

The International Organisation for Migration says most of those deaths occurred along a perilous central Mediterranean route used by smugglers operating out of Libya.

The IOM says that worldwide an estimated 5350 migrants died in 2015, up from 5017 deaths in 2014.