Italian media are reporting the country's Navy is involved in a major migrant rescue operation off the coast of Libya.

It's thought up to 3,000 people, travelling on 18 separate vessels - four boats and 14 rubber dinghies - may be involved.

Seven boats, including Norway's military ship Siem Pilot, are involved in the rescue operation.

Over 264,000 migrants have traveled across the Mediterranean this year, according to UN figures.