Snow Paralyzes Parts of Europe

A bitterly cold winter storm pummeled parts of Europe, killing at least three sailors when a ship sank in rough seas, and piling up snow that stranded thousands at airports, on mountain roads and in remote villages. The authorities in northeastern Bulgaria declared a state of emergency and called in the army to help civil defense officials clear roads and reach stranded motorists. A cold spell also caused problems in neighboring Romania, where Bucharest's two main airports were closed. Parts of Turkey and Greece, as well as Western Europe, were also affected.