mediterranean sea
"An invasion is taking place," the group's website says. "This massive immigration is changing the face of our continent."
Many are willing to endure unthinkable horror to escape strife in their homeland.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
As the number of migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe soars, aid groups have come under fierce criticism from European politicians and officials.
Nearly 47,000 have left Libya for Italy so far this year.
More than 45,000 people have reached Italy by boat from North Africa this year.
The Italian Coast Guard didn't heed their calls to be rescued until it was too late.
The waters separating North Africa and Italy are the last remaining hope for many desperate people. But they're also some of the deadliest.