Many immigrants die trying to reach Europe by sea every year

Three officials from the EU's Frontex border agency arrived on the remote Mediterranean island of Lampedusa after appeals for assistance from Rome.

The team will be organising joint EU naval patrols in the area to stem the influx of migrants, mostly from Africa.

Thousands of migrants try to enter Italy and other EU nations each year via Lampedusa, many in rickety boats.

Dozens of them die or drown during the perilous journey to the island, which is closer to North Africa than to mainland Italy.

The EU is also worried about the continuing flow of migrants from West Africa to Spain's Canary Islands.

'Moral obligation'

The three Frontex officials arrived on Lampedusa on Thursday in response to appeals for EU assistance from Italy's Interior Minister Giuliano Amato.

Mr Amato earlier said that Italy and the EU had a "moral obligation to put an end to the inhuman phenomenon of illegal immigration," according to Italy's La Repubblica newspaper.

The minister said some 23,000 of migrants had arrived in southern Italy in 2005 - compared to about 13,000 in the previous year.

Mr Amato also called for a summit between EU and African nations within the next few months to address the issue.

'Crisis' missions

RAPID BORDER INTERVENTION TEAMS Provide "expertise and manpower" to countries in extreme difficulties Consist of border guards and experts, such as interpreters Carry out border patrols, check and stamp travel documents Wear own national uniforms with armband showing EU flag Costs of operation, except salaries, borne by EU Frontex vets requests for help, and draws up operational plan Frontex also accompanies teams on the ground, and conducts regular training

Last month the European Commission unveiled a plan to create rapid reaction teams to help member states cope with immigration emergencies.

EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said at the time that the aim would be to have a pool of 250 or 300 experts from member states ready to be called up in emergencies.

This would include specialists in first aid, translation, risk assessment and the identification of people, he said.

Missions would be sent to the crisis area within 10 days of a request being made.