In a statement, the organization reported that at least 30 migrants died or were reported missing after the incident on Saturday, amid adverse weather conditions.

It also specified that the boat departed from Tobruk, Libya, on the 19th and capsized south of Kali Limenes, Crete.

Among the survivors are 16 men and four children.

In just the first two months of 2016, at least 606 migrants died or disappeared along the Mediterranean route.

This is the deadliest start to the year in that region since we began recording this data in 2014, the organization noted.

In addition to lamenting the loss of human lives, it called for strengthened search and rescue efforts and regional cooperation.

It also warned that trafficking and smuggling networks continue to exploit migrants, who undertake perilous journeys in unseaworthy vessels, exposing themselves to serious abuses and risks.

Stronger international cooperation and protection-focused responses are key to combating these criminal groups.

Expanding safe and regular pathways is essential to reduce risks and save lives, it noted.

abo/arm/mem/gas