At least 10 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, while some 2,200 migrants have been rescued in 12 separate rescue operations, the Italian coastguard confirmed Saturday.

The bodies were recovered from several boats and the cause of death is still being determined, a spokesman said.

The approximately 2,200 migrants were rescued in the past 24 hours by the Italian coastguard, the Marines and the EU operation EUNAVFOR MED, the spokesman said.

Deaths during Mediterranean migrant crossings have become a regular occurrence. Last week, 34 people - most of them small children - died when their boat capsized.