WWII German warships emerge from Danube River as drought lowers water levels

The Danube River, Europe's second-longest waterway, is experiencing record low water levels due to a persistent drought. This has caused dozens of World War II German warships, deliberately scuttled by the Nazis in 1944, to emerge from the receding waters.

Near the Serbian port of Prahovo, the rusty hulks of these vessels are now visible, some still carrying their deadly cargo. Historians say up to 200 German warships were sunk in the Danube gorge as Nazi forces retreated from advancing Soviet troops. While some were removed by Yugoslav authorities after the war, many remain due to the explosives they contained.

The low water levels pose a significant threat to river navigation, a vital transport route through 10 European nations. "As you can see, the (big) ships can't pass anymore," said Krsta Brandic, a local resident, highlighting the disruption to shipping traffic. The drought's impact also extends to power generation, with plants nearing shutdown and governments conserving electricity.

Efforts are underway, with European Union financial support, to address the hazard posed by the sunken fleet. However, the sheer number of vessels and the explosives they carry have made removal a complex and long-standing challenge. The current situation underscores the severe impact of the ongoing heat crisis and drought across Europe.

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As you can see, the (big) ships can't pass anymore.