Hundreds of Syrian migrants have begun to board a giant passenger ferry on the Greek island of Kos - which will provide them with temporary accommodation.

Boarding the refugees had been delayed as Greek authorities were overwhelmed by the numbers seeking refuge.

The ship will act as a screening centre where Syrian refugees can stay as they wait for temporary travel documents.

It was reported yesterday that migrants clashed with police on Kos. Tensions escalated as Pakistani, Afghan and Iranian migrants remained unsure whether or not they could board the Eleftherios Venizelos ferry along with the refugees from Syria. 

Earlier this week migrants on the Greek island were tear-gassed and reportedly beaten as hundreds suffered sweltering conditions locked inside an open-air stadium without water, food or toilets.

Stella Nanou is spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. She says Greek authorities have been overwhelmed, and the UN is calling on the EU to offer more support:

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify at least 40 migrants found dead in the hold of a smuggler's boat in the Mediterranean.

They are said to have died after inhaling engine fumes and suffocating.

More than 300 others were rescued by the Italian Navy during the operation yesterday, around 33km off the coast of Libya.