Stone laid in foundation of mosque and chapel to remember Bulgaria victims

A ceremony of laying a symbolic stone in the construction of a mosque and a chapel, to remember the victims of the Bulgaria shipwreck, has today been held in the village Sukeevsky Vzvoz (Kamskoe Ustie region).

Russia transport minister, Tatarstan President, Tatarstan State Counsellor, Tatarstan Religious board chairman, St Nicholas Cathedral superior and relatives of Bulgaria victims were present during the event.

“The disaster that occurred on 10 July has united us. We have done everything in our power. But we cannot bring the people back,” Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov told the meeting. A monument to the victims of the accident will one year from the tragedy be completed.

“This is a difficult time for you and it is difficult for me to look you in the eye,” R. Minnikhanov addressed himself to the victims’ relatives. He offered them condolences and wished patience.

Russia transport minister Igor Levitin said the government commission would publicly report all the rules violations revealed during the investigation of the Bulgaria accident.

“The people who left this world are not dead, they are alive; it is just that you cannot feel them. They always accept your prayers. Allah gives patience to human hearts. We keep praying for the souls of those who left this world to rest in peace, and for more patience to be given to your hearts,” mufti Ildus Faizov said.

"Building a mosque and a chapel here is a great and right decision. They will at all times be open for everyone. Let in this difficult time God be dear to each of us. An eternal memory to those who have left for the other world!" Orthodox cathedral superior John said.

The monument will be located high up the Volga bank and comprise a remembrance wall, a mosque, a chapel and a central square.

The amount of donations for the accident victims is nearing 50 million roubles.

The Bulgaria cruise ship on 10 July sank in the Kuybishev Reservoir, killing 122 people, including 28 children. Seventy nine people were rescued by the Arabella ship sailing by.

On 26 July the Bulgaria was raised from the riverbed.