Danube’s Low Water Levels Reveal WWII Shipwrecks

The Danube River, the second longest in Europe, has experienced significant drops in water levels due to drought, revealing several World War II German battleships. These shipwrecks serve as an unusual sight amid the ongoing heat crisis. The river’s record lows are impacting power plants, putting them at risk of shutdowns as Central and Eastern Europe take measures to conserve electricity.

Located in the river between Serbia and Romania near the port of Prahovo, a corroded hull and broken mast are visible, marking the remnants of where the Nazi flag once flew. The ships belonged to Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet. The Germans intentionally sank them while retreating from Romania as Soviet forces advanced further into Europe towards the war’s end.

Historians note that up to 200 German warships were scuttled in September 1944 near the Danube gorge in Prahovo under Soviet fire. The deliberate sinking aimed to hinder the Soviet advance in the Balkans. However, Nazi Germany surrendered a few months later in May 1945. The sight of these old warships highlights ongoing efforts by the Serbian government, supported by European Union funds, to address their presence.

Some ships were removed by Communist Yugoslav authorities, yet many remain due to the presence of explosives. Authorities now focus on maintaining navigability on the Danube, which flows through 10 countries, as the low water levels pose safety risks. Experts attribute the extreme weather to global warming and other contributing factors. Resident Krsta Brandic observed that low water levels have nearly halted ship traffic, stating, “As you can see, the (big) ships can’t pass anymore.”