Baltic States – CIS, Tourism, Transport

President Andris Berzins has sent a letter to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, offering his condolences to the Russian nation and the relatives of the victims, President's Chancery informed LETA.

Saeima Chairwoman Solvita Aboltina (Unity) has sent a letter of sympathy to Russian State Duma Chairman Boris Gryzlov, expressing her condolences to the Russian nation and the families of the deceased, emphasizing that Latvia sympathizes with Russia over the loss of many children who were most probably killed in the accident, Saeima Press Service told LETA.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė also offered condolences to President Dmitry Medvedev of the Russian Federation over the tragic sinking of the boat Bulgaria with many passengers on board on July 10 on the River Volga.

"On behalf of all Lithuania, I extend my sincere condolences to you personally and to the victims' families and friends. In this hour of pain and grief, I wish you strength and fortitude," the President wrote in her message of condolences.

Russian authorities said on Monday that 76 people were rescued after the accident from the sunken cruise ship "Bulgaria". Five dead bodies have been found, 107 people are still unaccounted for.

Media report that the "Bulgaria" capsized and sank very fast after hit by a storm in the middle of the Volga River; failure to observe safety regulations is said to be the most likely reason for the disaster.