Fifteen tourists have been killed after an overcrowded pleasure boat sank on an idyllic Macedonian lake.

The Iliden was 200 metres from shore when it capsized into Lake Ohrid - famous for its deep turquoise waters.

The tragedy - involving Bulgarian tourists - unfolded in front of hundreds of campers-turned-rescuers at a site near the city of Ohrid.

"More than 70 passengers were on the boat," interior minister Gordana Jankulovska told reporters.

"Fifteen perished, four seriously injured were taken to hospital in Ohrid and about 50 survivors are at a local hotel."

The captain of the Iliden was among the dead,