Igor Levitin: Divers to investigate “Bulgaria” before starting lifting procedures

Divers will investigate “Bulgaria” and the bottom to search for bodies of perished before lifting the sunk vessel, RF Minister of transport Igor Levitin said on finishing the session of government commission that was held at HQ in settlement Kuibyshev Zaton. Before the session RF Minister of transport Igor Levitin, Chief of Ministry of emergency situations Sergei Shoigu and RT Premier Ildar Khalikov visited the work area and personally got acquainted with the course of lifting operations.

Igor Levitin informed that currently divers were fixing softening cushions between rectifying slings of the vessel. The cushions will let straightening the vessel without causing damage.

I.Levitin noted that after level-keel draft divers would continue investigating the vessel in search of the bodies. Specialists will not start lifting procedures until the vessel and bottom are investigated once again, RF Minister of transport stress.

Igor Levitin informed that 114 bodies were found after the tragedy. By the evening on July 17 Tatarstan would prepare main documents necessary for receiving compensations by relatives of perished and suffered.

Specialists continue working with the suffered and relatives of the perished in republic, RT Premier Ildar Khalikov informs. “We try to do our best, and payment of financial aid is just one moment. People need psychological help, also work on restoring lost documents is carried out. Suffered and relatives of the perished will need medical help for a long time and we are ready to help”, - Head of RT Government stated.