117 bodies have been taken from the sea off the coast of Libya after a boat carrying mainly African migrants sank in the Mediterranean.

Libya's Red Crescent said the bodies of 75 women, 36 men and six children were recovered in waters near the western city of Zwara. Libyan officials said the number is likely to increase, as boats used by illegal immigrants to Europe usually carry between 115 and 125 people.

Authorities have yet to confirm how or when the people on board the vessel died. The UN refugee agency said around 204 thousand migrants have accessed Europe via the Mediterranean since January. More than 2,500 have died making the crossing this year.