VIENNA (AFP) - The United Nations said on Sunday there could be around 270,000 victims of human trafficking in the European Union and urged greater efforts to combat the illegal trade. Authorities in Europe were aware of only a tiny proportion of the victims, said the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), estimating there were 30 times more people affected than were known about. The disclosure came on European Anti-Trafficking Day on Sunday, which aims to draw attention to the plight of victims of the trade who are forced to work illegally after being smuggled across borders. Antonio Maria Costa, UNODC executive director, highlighted few human traffickers were caught and blamed police for not taking enough action. Less than one in 100,000 people were convicted for human trafficking in Europe, he said in a statement, adding this was less than for rare crimes like kidnapping. Perhaps police are not finding the traffickers and victims because they are not looking for them, he added. The majority of victims are women who are forced into prostitution, according to the UNODC. Men are often forced to work on building sites or farms, and 10 percent of victims are minors, the agency said. Meanwhile, a ship, suspected of carrying 76 illegal migrants, was intercepted in the Pacific Ocean off Canadas west coast, police said Saturday. Authorities including military, police and border agents identified and secured a vessel displaying the name 'Ocean Lady that was approaching the coast of British Columbia province, said a statement from the Federal Border Integrity Program of Canadas national police force. Investigators have confirmed that there are 76 individuals on board whose stated intention was to reach Canada. Public Safety minister Peter Van Loan said the passengers were suspected illegal migrants. The signs do point toward human smuggling, he told reporters in Ottawa. Police released photos of the rusted ship with dozens of men visible on board. The nationality of the migrants and the ships registry could not immediately be confirmed, although Canadas CTV private broadcaster reported the migrants were all men from Sri Lanka and the ships crew was Canadian. A search of international shipping registries showed a double-hulled oil tanker bears the same name as the intercepted ship. Police said the ship was guided, late Saturday afternoon by the police and military to Ogden Point, near Victoria, where authorities began health and safety and immigration protocols. Our initial observations are they are in good health, said border official Rob Johnston. Health and immigration officials were on site to being interviews and criminal background checks should the people make refugee claims, he added.