Drought Exposes Nazi Warships on Danube, Removal Operation Underway

Low water levels in the Danube River, caused by persistent drought, have revealed a significant historical hazard: the submerged fleet of Nazi German warships deliberately sunk 80 years ago.

In the autumn of 1944, as German forces retreated from the advancing Red Army, they scuttled 21 vessels in the Danube near Prahovo, on the Serbia-Romania border. The intention was twofold: to prevent the ships from falling into enemy hands and to obstruct navigation on the vital river waterway.

The operation to remove these wrecks, which include various combat vessels and a hospital ship, began in August 2024. The submerged fleet has long posed a danger to shipping, particularly during periods of low water. So far, three vessels, including a minesweeper, have been successfully removed, while four others have been pushed further into the riverbed to clear the main channel. Work is also underway on a fourth vessel, which has been cut into three sections.

Adding to the danger, the wrecks are known to contain substantial quantities of unexploded ordnance. Serbian sappers have warned that this ordnance remains lethal and poses a long-term threat. The removal operation is crucial for ensuring the safety and navigability of the Danube, a key European transport route.

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The wrecks still contain a large amount of various unexploded ordnance which Serbian sappers warned would remain lethal for years.