The Italian Coastguard says nearly 6,000 migrants have been rescued and 10 bodies recovered off the Libyan coast over the weekend.

BBC reports that thousands of migrants were picked from both wooden and rubber boats in 17 separate operations by Italian and French authorities.

More than 2,000 were rescued this afternoon - they are now being taken to Italy as rescue operations continue.

Improved weather conditions in the area over the past few days are reported to have caused a surge in the number of people attempting to make the trip on overloaded boats.

It comes amid increased EU efforts to prevent migrant deaths, with leaders agreeing to triple funding for naval searches in the Mediterranean Sea.

Last month, Ireland offered to contribute one naval vessel to the efforts, while Britain has committed three ships to move into the Mediterranean, and Germany and France have pledged two.

Other member states also lined up more vessels and helicopters that could be used to rescue migrants, officials said.

There are also plans under international law to capture and destroy boats before they can be used for human trafficking and the EU will target smuggling networks.

More than 1,700 people have died this year attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.