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Tourists among at least 19 dead in Macedonian ferry mishap

Dennis D. Jacobs' photo
Chicago International Travel Examiner
Divers search for victims
Police divers search for missing persons at the wreckage of a sunken boat in Lake Ohrid in southwestern Macedonia, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

At least 19 people perished today when a ferry sank in Lake Ohrid on the border between Macedonia and Albania.

The BBC reported that an explosion might have caused the ferry Ilinden to break in two and sink rapidly about 220 yards from shore in the deep lake.

Most of the ferry passengers apparently were Bulgarian tourists on their way to visit a medieval monastery. About 50 passengers were rescued after the ferry sank at 11 a.m. local time.

The lake is Macedonia’s most popular tourist spot.

For more info: Washington Post/AP
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, Chicago International Travel Examiner

Avid traveler Dennis D. Jacobs is an award-winning journalist and author of the book, More or Less Loess. He lives in Chicago, but usually can be found on the road less traveled. He can be reached at djacobs@prairiefirepub.com.

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