Nazi-Era German Warships Emerge from Danube Due to Low Water Levels

Sunken Nazi-era German fleet ships have reappeared in the Danube River as unusually low water levels expose the remnants of a wartime scuttling. In the autumn of 1944, the German army deliberately sank over 200 vessels, including barges, patrol boats, and hospital ships, along this vital European waterway during their retreat. The aim was to obstruct the advancing Red Army.

More than 80 years after the end of World War II, these submerged wrecks continue to pose a significant hazard to navigation on the Danube, one of Europe's most crucial inland transport routes. During dry summers, parts of the sunken fleet become visible above the water, severely disrupting shipping and cargo transport.

To address this persistent problem, the European Union is financing a project to remove 21 of the most dangerous wrecks. The salvage operation, which began in 2024, is scheduled for completion by 2028. According to the European Investment Bank, the submerged vessels cost Serbia's economy approximately 5 million euros each year in lost revenue due to restricted navigation. The bank has allocated a 16 million euro grant for the project.