Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called for controls on all transport services after an overloaded boat sank on the Volga river. Leaders in Moscow say that the cruise ship was in poor condition, reports BBC.
At least 50 children are among the victims of the accident, a survivor saying that all children had gathered on deck, in a playground area, just before the ship was started to sink.
At a government meeting, Medvedev urged today complete control of all transport services for passengers, because Russia has too many “old and rusty bathtubs” as boats. He said that tomorrow will be a day of mourning in memory of the victims in Russia on Volga River. Officials do not expect to find other survivors. So far, 41 bodies have been recovered from the waters of the Volga.
Stowaways
According to preliminary information, overloading the vessel could have caused the tragedy. A local official quoted by RIA Novosti said that for this type of vessel, older than half a century, the maximum capacity was 120 people, but many passengers were illegally on board.
“A total of 78 people were rescued by the crew of a ship nearby. A woman died”, announced yesterday, the regional intervention center.
“Bulgaria” cruise ship sank yesterday in the waters of the district Kansko-Ustinovski from the Republic of Tatarstan. On board there were over 170 people, including 33 crew members.
A helicopter and two intervention vessels are at the disaster place, the authorities have informed. Accident causes are currently unknown.