Each and every day nearly 2,000 migrants and refugees make dangerous journeys by sea into Europe. That's nearly 10 times the average number from a year ago. Now, a new plan to try to stem the surge- and potentially save lives in the process.

This is what desperation looks and sounds like.

Rescuers from Turkey's coast guard racing toward Syrian refugees. Their 10-meter boat meant to carry them into Greece has capsized. A sergeant jumps into the water finding a survivor. Pelen Hussein is clinging to the only part of the boat still above the surface. It's sinking. Shivering. Scared. In shock.

Hussein lets go, leaping into the cold water. The sergeant sees Hussein is suffering from hypothermia. He tries to calm him down then, just as quickly, gets him set to be lifted into the helicopter above. Hussein is flown to shore and taken to a hospital. He'll survive. But where does he go next It's anyone's guess.

And Hussein is one of the lucky ones.

Just six people on his boat survived. Everyone else is dead. 16 adults 11 children drowned.

Since the start of the year, the International Organization for Migration estimates that more than 70,000 migrants and refugees have made this same journey. More than 300 others died trying.

Late last week, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander announced a new mission. Several vessels immediately set out for the Aegean Sea.

NATO is trying to identify the smugglers behind these boats. Right now- the only thing they know for sure is the route refugees and migrants are taking.

It starts with an escape from Syria, into Turkey. Then they set out on the Aegean Sea headed for the Greek islands. From Greece migrants head for Germany and other parts of Europe.

Other refugees and migrants are making this same trek- from places like Afghanistan, Iraq and Eritrea.

Could NATO's mission extend beyond the Aegean Sea. That's up for debate. Aircraft from Saudi Arabia are now arriving at Turkey's Incirlik air base.

Saudi Arabia says that it is prepared to send ground troops into Syria if NATO or the U.S.-led coalition does too.