Rome, May 10 (TIWN) More than 2,000 migrants have reached the Lampedusa island in the Mediterranean Sea by boat within the past 24 hours, state media reported on Monday, sparking concerns in Rome.

ANSA said early on Monday that, during the previous 24 hours, 2,128 people landed on the Italian island, including 635 overnight.  Patrol boats picked up several hundred people travelling in small boats and brought them ashore, while others managed to reach the coast.  In recent weeks, private sea rescuers have reported seeing greater numbers of migrants setting off in rubber dinghies and small wooden boats towards Europe, often from Libya, while dozens have drowned when vessels capsize.