Search continues for missing Bulgarian in Lake Ohrid

The intensive search for the missing Bulgarian citizen in Lake Ohrid continues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Bulgaria reported in response to an inquiry from the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA). Competent authorities in the Republic of North Macedonia are conducting active search operations to locate the 52-year-old man who disappeared yesterday afternoon while diving in a deep section of the lake.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia in Ohrid, Stefan Dimoski, refuted earlier media reports about the discovery of the missing Bulgarian's body. In a statement to the news portal "Libertas", Dimoski said: "He (the Bulgarian) is still considered missing. Specific activities will be undertaken throughout the day to find him".

The Bulgarian MFA emphasized that no official information about the case has been received either at the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Bitola or at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Skopje. This contradicts claims that have appeared in the media about a discovered body of a Bulgarian citizen.

The incident occurred in a section of Lake Ohrid with a depth of about 89 meters, which significantly complicates the search operation. Local authorities are mobilizing all available resources to conduct a thorough search of the area.

Bulgaria's diplomatic and consular representations in North Macedonia maintain constant contact with local authorities and are closely monitoring the development of the case. They are ready to provide necessary assistance to the family of the missing person and to the Macedonian authorities if needed.

The case is attracting public attention in both countries and highlights the importance of adhering to safety measures during water activities, especially in deep and potentially dangerous bodies of water such as Lake Ohrid.

Authorities are urging all citizens and tourists in the area to be vigilant and report any information that could help in the search for the missing Bulgarian. The search operation continues with full intensity, with additional information on the development of the case expected in the coming hours.