Migrant crisis: 250 people Rescued From capsized boat off Crete

An improvement in weather conditions has led to an upsurge in the numbers of boats crossing the Mediterranean.

About 250 people have been rescued from a migrant boat that has capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, Greek officials say.

Hundreds of migrants were “in distress” in the water. The boat was found in international waters, 75 nautical miles south of the Greek island of Crete.

The UN said this week that more than 2,500 people had died in 2016 trying to make the journey towards Western Europe.

A coast guard spokesman said four ships were involved in the operation, with helicopters on their way.