Drought conditions have caused water levels on the Danube River, Europe's second-longest, to drop significantly, revealing the submerged hulks of dozens of World War II German battleships. The receding waters are also straining power plants and impacting river traffic.
Near the Serbian port of Prahovo, between Serbia and Romania, the rusty remains of these vessels are now visible. Some of the ships, still believed to contain weaponry, belonged to Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet. Historians note that up to 200 German warships were deliberately scuttled in September 1944 near Prahovo as Soviet forces advanced through the Balkans. The intention was to impede the Soviet advance, though the war ended months later in May 1945.
Navigational and Energy Concerns
The low water levels pose a significant challenge to navigation on the Danube, a vital waterway that flows through 10 European countries. "As you can see, the (big) ships can’t pass anymore," said Krsta Brandic, a Prahovo resident, describing the near halt of ship traffic. Authorities are working to maintain navigable channels.
The drought's impact extends to energy production, as power plants reliant on river water are nearing shutdown. Governments across Central and Eastern Europe are implementing measures to conserve electricity in response to the crisis.
Efforts to Address Sunken Vessels
The Serbian government, with financial assistance from the European Union, has previously attempted to clear the river of these submerged warships. However, their removal has been complicated by the explosives they may still carry. Communist Yugoslav authorities managed to remove some vessels, but the majority remain due to the risks associated with their munitions. Experts have linked the extreme weather conditions contributing to the drought to global warming and other environmental factors.