14 June, 2006 - Published 10:45 GMT

UN: thousands fleeing Sri lanka

The United Nations refugee agency says that almost three thousand Sri Lankan refugees have fled to India since the beginning of the year.

Escalating violence in the north and the east of the island has left hundreds of people dead.

BBC correspondent Dumeetha Luthra in Mannar, Sri Lanka's closest point to India, says that on a calm day with good winds, it can take just a few hours to cross.

But, she says, the dangers are immense.

Tiny fishing boats are packed; they make the journey at night, trying to evade navy patrols, and sometimes have to deal with rough seas.

Ten people have died in the attempt.

The BBC correspondent says many are intent on going despite the repeated warnings of the risks by the UNHCR.