Seven people have died in rough seas while trying to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa in the latest tragic trip to the so-called "Door to Europe." 

Local authorities spotted the boat when it was about 50 km off the coast of Lampedusa, south of Sicily, overnight.

They found three bodies onboard and another four people died before the vessel reached port. It's believed the victims all died of hypothermia.

Lampedusa Mayor Salvatore Martello confirmed the death toll and said the vessel was carrying 280 people, migrants mainly from Bangladesh and Egypt.

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Lampedusa is Italy's southernmost point and a frequent landing site for migrants seeking refuge. They set off from the Libyan or Tunisian coast, mainly from countries in Africa and Asia, many of which suffer from wars, climate emergencies, and/or a severe lack of economic opportunities.

In recent months, there has been an increase in boats making the treacherous journey.

Government figures show more than 1,700 migrants have disembarked in Italy's ports this year.

Martello says the latest tragedy is unacceptable and the Italian government and EU authorities have forgotten his island.

"Another tragedy, once again we mourn innocent victims. Here we continue to do our part amid a thousand difficulties, despite the fact that the Italian government and Europe seem to have forgotten Lampedusa and the Lampedusans. But we can't go on alone for much longer."

He's calling for urgent help both from Italy and internationally.

According to the the Missing Migrants Project initiative, 23,383 people have gone missing – feared dead – in the Mediterranean Sea since 2014.