Thousands die in sea yearly trying to cross to Europe- UN

At least 3,800 migrants and refugees have perished this year while trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the highest ever toll ever on the harrowing route, the UN said today.

"We can confirm that at least 3,800 people have been reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea so far this year, making the death toll in 2016 the highest ever recorded," UN refugee agency spokesman William Spindler told the AFP.

The figures passed last year's mark of 3,771.