Thirteen Iranians, who were on a
sightseeing tour, drowned in a lake in the southern city of Marvdasht
in Fars province Friday, the city's deputy governor said, IRNA reported from Eqlid.
They lost their lives in the Dorudzan lake after being caught by
raging waves when the lake became stormy and because they were not
skilled swimmers, Ata Qasemi said.
"These individuals were among a group of 19 people from Eqlid
city, who were touring Tang-e Basanak (better known locally as
Paradise Lost)."
"On their way back home, they got off the minibus to take a plunge
into the lake which suddenly became stormy and claimed their lives
since they were inexperienced swimmers," he said.
Relief and rescue workers recovered the bodies of the victims by
early Saturday morning and transferred them to the coroner's office, Qasemi added.
Meanwhile, officials in Eqlid announced Sunday a day of mourning
and issued messages of condolences for the bereaved families.
... Payvand News - 7/27/03 ... --
