BERLIN — New and dangerous smuggling practices and attempts to reach Europe by riskier routes have led to a spike in the number of migrants dying as they try to cross the Mediterranean, according to an analysis released Tuesday.

The data center of the International Organization for Migration said 2,901 people died or disappeared crossing the Mediterranean in the first six months of 2016, a 37 percent increase over the first six months of last year.

Most of the deaths, 2,484, occurred on the Central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Italy. ‘‘The numbers have not increased hugely in terms of those crossing, but the risk of death remains high and is increasing,’’ said Frank Laczko, head of the center.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, however, fewer deaths have been reported since a March deal between the European Union and Turkey led to a dramatic drop in arrivals.

Associated Press