The Danube River, known as Europe’s second longest river, is experiencing significantly low water levels due to drought conditions. This has led to the emergence of World War II German battleships, providing a historical glimpse amid the current summer heat issues.
The river’s low levels have also placed power plants in Central and Eastern Europe at risk of shutdown, prompting governments to implement electricity conservation measures. Near the Serbian port of Prahovo, a rusty hull and broken mast, where the Nazi flag once flew, are now visible in the river.
These ships were part of Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet. As Soviet forces advanced in September 1944, the Germans intentionally sank up to 200 warships in the Danube gorge near Prahovo. This was a strategic move to slow Soviet progression in the Balkans, although Germany surrendered in May 1945.
The exposed warships remind of ongoing efforts by the Serbian government, aided by European Union funding, to address these historical remnants. Some ships were removed by Communist Yugoslav authorities; however, many remain due to the explosives onboard.
Current authorities focus on maintaining traffic on the Danube, which traverses 10 countries, as diminishing water levels pose risks. Experts attribute the abnormal heat to global warming among other factors. Local resident, Krsta Brandic, noted the impact, saying that large ships have ceased to pass through the area.