Nigerians are reportedly among 167 migrants rescued in Mediterranean sea as 13 die trying to reach Europe (photos)

A Spanish charity has rescued 167 migrants and found 13 others dead in a rescue operation in the Mediterranean sea.

The operation took place about 24km off the coast of Sabratha in Libya. Most of the migrants were reportedly from sub-Saharan Africa and included children as well as pregnant women.

Pictures of the operation show desperate migrants sitting on shaky rubber dinghies waiting to be rescued from the treacherous waters.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 2,200 migrants have perished in the Mediterranean sea so far this year while trying to reach Europe.

Some of the migrants awaiting rescue. Photo: AP

A desperate migrant waiting to be pulled from the water. Photo: AP

The dinghies were overcrowded. Photo: AP

The current warm weather has also resulted in increased numbers of migrants making the risky journey. Italy's coastguard rescued more than 8,000 migrants in just 48 hours last month, according to Daily Mail.

Libyan navy spokesman General Ayoub Qassem said many of the migrants are from Mali, Senegal, Sudan and Cameroon.

Many of the migrants were from sub-Saharan Africa. Photo: AP

Some included women and children. Photo: AP

More than 2,200 migrants have died in the Mediterranean sea this year so far. Photo: AP