Low Sava River Levels Reveal 81-Year-Old Shipwreck

The Sava River, between Sremska Mitrovica and Šabac, has revealed a nearly century-old secret: the "Slovenac," a steamship that has rested on the riverbed since the end of World War II. Due to an exceptionally low water level this summer, the wreck, nicknamed "Sava's Titanic" by locals, has resurfaced, becoming a visible landmark.

This is not the first time the "Slovenac" has appeared, but locals say they have never seen it so clearly. "The water level is really low this year, so it's much more visible, and we have a better beach for the children," said resident Tamara Ćurčić. "Thanks to this wreck, we have a small island where we all enjoy ourselves during the summer."

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The water level is really low this year, so it's much more visible, and we have a better beach for the children. Thanks to this wreck, we have a small island where we all enjoy ourselves during the summer.

The ship's history predates its watery grave. Built in 1913 in Budapest during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it initially served as a tugboat on the Danube. After World War I, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia, through war reparations. During World War II, it operated under German control before being returned to service by the Yugoslav Army after the liberation of Belgrade.

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As we know, the war lasted until the very end for us. The Srem Front was broken on April 12. All this time, it was in service, carrying war materials and very often the wounded. It was suitable for that because barges were tied to it, filled with the wounded, and it brought them back.

"As we know, the war lasted until the very end for us. The Srem Front was broken on April 12. All this time, it was in service, carrying war materials and very often the wounded," explained historian Andrija Popović. "It was suitable for that because barges were tied to it, filled with the wounded, and it brought them back."

Despite sustaining heavy damage multiple times, the ship was repeatedly repaired and returned to service. However, its operational life ended abruptly in late April 1945. "During its regular mission, it hit a German mine. The damage was total; the mine was placed in such a way that it practically broke in half, and it sank to the bottom of the Sava River in that state," Popović added. The Sava River's depths hold many secrets, with its silt near Sremska Mitrovica also concealing Roman artifacts and remnants of old bridges.

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During its regular mission, it hit a German mine. The damage was total; the mine was placed in such a way that it practically broke in half, and it sank to the bottom of the Sava River in that state.