article_snippet.sent: At least 480 migrants have died while crossing the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year, often because of bad weather and overcrowded vessels used by smugglers, the IMO said.
article_snippet.sent: Sometimes the captains and crews abandon the ships, leaving passengers to fend for the captains and crews.
article_snippet.sent: At this time last year, there were fewer than 50 deaths reported, the IMO said.
highlights_snippet.sent: At least 480 migrants have died while crossing the Mediterranean this year .