Drazki Museum Ship Reopens in Bulgaria's Varna

Drazki, a torpedo boat that has functioned as a museum for nearly 50 years, has reopened to visitors in the Bulgarian Black Sea city of Varna.

The museum ship, which had been shut down for a decade to undergo repair works, will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 18:00. Tickets are worth just BGN 2 (EUR 1), entrance being free for children. It is located within the Naval Museum of Varna, located in the landmark Sea Garden, not far from the downtown area.

Inside the ship, visitors can make themselves familiar with what it looked like in her active years. A photo exhibition is also on display telling her story - one that the Bulgarian Navy still takes pride in.

Drazki was one of six torpedo boats that a French manufacturer built early in the 20th century for the needs of the Bulgarian Navy. The six took part in the First Balkan War (1912-1913), and the Drazki in particular stood out after successfully hitting Ottoman protected cruiser Hamidiye, thus preventing a major shelling on the city of Varna.

In 1942 the vessel sunk after an explosion and, though she was repaired, remained in service for roughly a decade. Authorities then decided to turn it into a museum.

For many years museum officials had called on authorities to provide funding and help repair the legendary torpedo boat.

But it wasn't until last year that the National History Museum decided to provide financial assistance.