The European Union has agreed to triple the funding for search and rescue operations to help tackle the migrant boat crisis in the Mediterranean.

Following a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, several measures have been announced to rescue migrants and save lives, including pledges of extra ships, planes and helicopters.

More than 1,700 people have died already this year trying to make the journey from north Africa to Europe in search of a better life as they flee conflict and political stability.

They include hundreds from one boat alone who drowned off the coast of Libya last weekend.

The EU Triton border operation will have three times as many funds as before, reaching around €9m a month.

Ireland has 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.

Leaders have also pledged to eliminate "irregular migration flows and discourage people from putting their lives at risk".

And they will co-ordinate the resettlement of more people to Europe on a voluntary basis and those who do not qualify as refugees will be returned to their country of origin.