2016 proven to be most deadly year for migrants

2016 has proven to be the most deadly year for refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

According to the United Nations, more than 5,000 people have perished trying to make the perilous crossing to Europe.

Reports indicate the surge in deaths is because migrant smugglers are increasingly using poor quality vessels and overloading them.

Nonetheless, arrivals are down compared to 2015.

In October, UNHCR declared 2016 the deadliest year ever for migrants crossing the Mediterranean to reach Italy and Greece, when the fatality mark hit 3,800.

Furthermore, the UN refugee agency said last year that an average of 14 people died daily.

According to IOM more than 350,000 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2016 arriving mostly in Greece and Italy.