Captain of Macedonian Killer Boat "Ilinden" Remains behind Bars

Members of a special combined team of Croatian and Macedonian divers inspect the sunken vessel in Ohrid Lake, Macedonia 19 September 2009 two weeks after a tragic boat accident in which 15 Bulgarian tourists lost their lives. Photo by EPA/BGNES

The captain of the Macedonian tour boat “Ilinden,” Sotir Filevski, is staying behind bars for 30 more days, the Ohrid Court ruled Monday.

Filevski is investigated over the tragic September 5 incident in which 15 Bulgarian tourists drowned in the Ohrid Lake when the vessel sunk in the lake's waters.

Immediately after the incident, the captain was charged with serious crimes against travel safety and detained for 30 days, which were extended Monday by another 30 days.

Experts from Slovenia and Croatia are to begin any moment a probe to establish what caused the ship's sinking. Others can be charged upon the investigation's conclusion, the Macedonian TV A1 commented.

The Ohrid authorities also questioned several days ago the Head of the insurance company “Loyd” that issued the “Ilinden” insurance certificate.

A civic association was formed after the incident, initiating a “fair trial” campaign for Filevski and for the establishment of the true causes of the sinking.

The Bulgarian experts returned back after the first inspection of the ship because, according to Macedonian law, they no longer have the right to participate in their investigation. They are now interrogating witnesses in Bulgaria.

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