During the 19th century, the border between Greece and the Ottoman Empire went through the middle of the Ambracian gulf. Greeks ardently dreamed about liberating their brethren, still oppressed by the Ottomans. In 1897 Greece felt it was time to strike and declared war on the Ottoman Empire. At 5am on the morning of April 6th, 1897, the merchant steamship “Macedonia” was heading towards the exit of the Ambracian gulf when the batteries of Laskara opened fire. More than 30 rounds hit the ship, forcing the captain to turn towards the Greek coast, where he run aground just across from the port of Preveza. As crew and passengers abandoned ship, “Macedonia” was hit by a shell and caught fire.