Ship “Bulgaria” with tourists sank on the Volga River near the Syukeevo village, approximately 3 kilometers from the river bank. According to official data on the ship boat were 148 passengers, 23 crew members and 8 staff (from other sources - 185). But in reality on board were much more passengers.
Total on board were 208 people. 80 rescued, 50 dead raised by divers, the fate of other tourists is still unknown. Divers continue to raise on the surface sunk bodies. At the time of the disaster in the ship music salon was entertainment event for children. Here were found dozens of dead. The General Prosecutor's Office announced that the ship had technical problems.
As it turned out the ship did not have a license to carry passengers. One of the two engines was malfunctioning. Located on the right side fuel tank was filled completely, and the second fuel tank was empty. The ship had inclination to one side. On the ship was opened portholes (no air conditioning on the boat). Children's lifejackets number was five times less than the number children on a ship. As reported in the media the ship sank about in three minutes.
In the near future passenger river ships owners expect to verify compliance with safety regulations.
07/12/2011 Russian President declared a day of mourning for the victims of the "Bulgaria" yesterday on the Volga.
The Volga River
Volga is a river in the European part of Russia. It is one of the largest rivers in the world and the largest in Europe. The river Volga is 3530 kilometers long.