Egypt's Health Ministry says at least 42 people have been killed after a migrant boat sank off the northern coast of Egypt.

The boat, which capsized on Wednesday, carried about 600 Syrian and African migrants, and was on its way to Italy.

A massive rescue operation is under way in the Mediterranean. More than 150 people have been reportedly pulled alive from the water.

The UN refugee agency says 2016 is on track to be the deadliest year on record for dangerous sea crossing. More than 2,800 deaths were recorded in the first half of this year.