The Italian coast guard took control of a cargo ship carrying almost one thousand migrants and brought it safely into an Italian port Wednesday after the crew reportedly abandoned the ship.

Emergency workers boarded the ship where migrants were gathered on deck. Rescuers could be seen helping a number of children and adults - running with many covered in blankets towards a hospital tent.

The Blue Sky M had sent out a distress call while in Greek waters. At least four migrants are thought to have died on the ship.

Most of the people on board were Syrian. Civil war in Syria and anarchy in Libya have swelled the number of people crossing the Mediterranean in rickety boats this year, often bound for Italy and Greece.