Italian coastguard video shows the rescue of 281 Syrian migrants trying to reach Italy in a 20-metre wooden fishing boat.

The group included dozens of children, some of whom were in poor health.

The migrants were transferred onto coastguard vessels about 80 nautical miles out to sea and taken to shore.

They're the latest of more than 50, 000 to make the treacherous crossing from North Africa so far this year.

The United Nations is appealing to European Union countries to accept the migrants to ease the burden on Italy.