Hundreds of migrants, who were rescued crossing the Mediterranean Sea, have arrived safely in Italy today.

The Italian coastguard said last night it had co-ordinated the rescue of more than 3,300 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

The Irish navy has helped intercept several boats over the last several days, mostly carrying people fleeing Libya.

Italian, German and British ships have also been involved in the rescue missions, with 20 boats said to have been intercepted altogether, including several rubber dinghies.

Officials said they had found 17 corpses on one of the rickety boats.

Hundreds of the rescued migrants arrived at the port of Taranto in southern Italy early this morning.

The Irish vessel LE Eithne was involved in three rescue operations in 24 hours, including one that saw the rescue of 300 migrants.

The LÉ Eithne departed Irish shores earlier this month with 68 Irish sailors and two army medics on board - the first time an Irish vessel has been deployed in an operation of this kind.

Almost 2,000 people have drowned in the waters of the Mediterranean between Africa and Europe so far this year, as they attempted to flee war-torn countries.

The advent of summer has brought calmer water conditions and with them an increase in the numbers willing to attempt the perilous journey.