1,200 people in danger on two boats in the Mediterranean

Rescue efforts are underway to help 1,200 people adrift on two boats in the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Greece.

The Italian coastguard says its vessels are coordinating the rescue of the migrants stranded on overcrowded fishing boats.

Authorities say they've seen a sharp increase in crossings recently, with thousands of people arriving on the island of Lampedusa in the last few days. But many never make it. Aid groups say at least two people died and 20 are still missing, after their boat sank over the weekend.