At least 3,300 migrants were rescued Friday by the Italian coast guard during a series of operations in the Mediterranean Sea, according to that country’s media.

The Ansa News Agency said the refugees were rescued during 24 separate operations launched by the coast guard but seven victims were found dead. No information was immediately available about the nationalities of the migrants.

Italy, has been a favored point for migrants feeling violence and poverty who seek a better life in northern European countries.

The International Organization for Migration that of the 145,381 refugees who set for out for Italy, 3,178 died on the Mediterranean while en route between Jan. 1 – Oct. 19, 2016.

PHOTO CAPTION

Migrants walk in line after they disembarked from the Italian Navy vessel Bersagliare at the Sicilian port of Augusta, Italy, September 16, 2016. REUTERS

AA