DHAKA: Italy is stepping up sea and air patrols following the deaths of hundreds of migrants sailing in overcrowded boats from North Africa.

Italy prime minister Enrico Letta said an ‘air and naval package’ would start on Monday south of Sicily, reports the BBC.

On Friday at least 33 people died when their boat capsized between Malta and the Italian island of Lampedusa.

A week earlier, more than 350 migrants died in another shipwreck off Lampedusa.

Italy has previously called for EU help in dealing with the thousands of desperate migrants who wash up on its beaches every year.

Many are families fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East who hope for a better life in Europe.

But the recent loss of life has led to further calls for EU action.

Italy defence minister Mario Mauro said Italy intended to triple its presence in the southern Mediterranean.

BDST: 1356 HRS, OCT 14, 2013
RoR/BSK