Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called for "a total inspection of all public carriers in Russia” following Sunday’s sinking of the cruise ship Bulgaria in the Volga River. The Bulgaria was carrying over 200 people when it sank about 2 miles from Syukeyevo, Tatarstan around 1:58 p.m. local time. At least 55 passengers have been confirmed dead while 79 others were rescued and offered medical treatment. The exact number of missing is not known.
According to Russian media outlets, the ship had a passenger limit of 150 and only had 156 life vests aboard at the time it sank. The Russian Prosecutor's Office said an initial investigation uncovered damages to the left engine. Preisdnet Medvedev confirmed the Bulgaria was “not in the appropriate condition.” He put Transport Minister Igor Levitin in charge of the investigation.
"It is clear that such an accident couldn't have taken place if safety rules were followed, even despite the difficult weather situation," President Medvedev said. "We have to establish why the owner of the ship operated a ship that was in such a poor technical condition."
Search and rescue operations are currently under way and are expected to continue until Monday evening. Officials plan to have the ship removed from the riverbed later this week.
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