Despite the much publicised hazards of this trip and the thousands who have died beforehand, people continue to brave it just for that hope of a better life.

It’s really sad, especially for those who come from the more stable countries like Ghana and Nigeria where you can make a living if you fight hard enough…others simply do not have a choice.

At least 40 migrants have died in an overcrowded boat in the Mediterranean, the Italian navy has said.

Some 320 others were rescued when the vessel was intercepted off Libya, reports the BBC.

The dead were found in the fishing boat’s hold. It is thought they died after inhaling fumes from the engine, the rescue vessel’s captain said.

The fishing boat was apparently taking on water when it was spotted about 21 nautical miles (39km) off the Libyan coast and south of the Italian island of Lampedusa.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said rescuers were “still counting the victims”, but that about 320 people had been rescued. Those rescued included about 10 women, as well as children.

The commander of the naval vessel involved in the rescue said his officers had encountered distressing scenes when they boarded the fishing boat.

European officials say the plight of migrants, almost 250,000 of whom have crossed by boat to the continent this year, is “beyond urgent”.

So far this year, more than 2,000 migrants have died trying to cross the sea to Europe, the UN says.