Three Macedonia Ilinden Lifesavers to Receive Bulgaria Citizenship

Fifteen Bulgarians died on September 5 when an ageing tourist boat �Ilinden' sank in seconds on Macedonia's Lake Ohrid, a popular attraction in the Balkans. Photo by BGNES

Three of the Macedonians who helped save drowning Bulgarian tourists on Lake Ohrid, in the Ilinden tragedy, will receive Bulgarian citizenship.

Fifteen Bulgarians died on September 5 when an ageing tourist boat ‘Ilinden' sank in seconds on Macedonia's Lake Ohrid, a popular attraction in the Balkans.

Another 40, all Bulgarians, survived the accident., many due to the quick reaction of the Lake Ohrid coast guards and other Macedonian boatmen who joined the rescue.

Bozhidar Dimitrov, Minister without Portfolio for Bulgarians Abroad, announced the citizenship decision Tuesday. He also stated that the reason for the tragedy was the age of the boat - over 80 years old and the irresponsible local shipping administration, which issued its license.

Five of the Macedonians who took part in the rescue mission will also receive the First Degree Order for Civil Merit - the "Madara Rider".

 

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