Memorial complex in memory of the victims of Bulgaria shipwreck opened in Tatarstan

The Memorial complex in memory of the tragedy has opened on the first anniversary of Bulgaria shipwreck in Kamsko-Ustinsky region (the Republic of Tatarstan). The Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, RF Minister of transport Maxim Sokolov, Counselor to RF President Igor Levitin, and Plenipotentiary of RF President in VFD Mikhail Babich took part in the event.

The memorial complex is located on the Volga River bank opposite the place of shipwreck. It includes the Orthodox chapel, the Muslim mosque and a plate with names of all 122 victims of the disaster. Hundreds of relatives, employees of the emergency ministry, members of Arabella crew, who were the first to help to survivors, have gathered to honor memory of the lost and lay flowers at the memorial plate.

Plenipotentiary of RF President in VFD addressed people:

“The awful tragedy happened here one year ago. It was a real disaster and pain for our country. I am speechless to express all sorrows,” Mikhail Babich said. He assured that authorities drew certain conclusions and made decisions to avoid such disasters in future. He suggested honoring memory of the lost by a minute's silence.

The Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov in turn addressed people gathered there:

“One year has passed since the tragedy happened. We have come here today to honor memory of people we lost. It is a terrible tragedy, no words or actions can explain it. I bring my apologies. We have done our best, though that is no excuse,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.