WWII German Warships Laden with Explosives Being Removed from Danube River

An extensive operation is underway in the Danube River near Prahovo, Serbia, to remove 21 German warships that sank during World War II. These vessels, deliberately sunk by the German Black Sea Flotilla in the autumn of 1944 as they retreated from the Red Army, have posed a significant navigation hazard for decades, particularly during low water levels.

The removal process is complex and dangerous due to the presence of vast quantities of unexploded ordnance. Bojan Glamočlija, Director of the Serbian Demining Center, reported that three vessels, including a minesweeper, have been recovered so far. Another four have been submerged and pushed deeper into the riverbed, while a fourth is being dismantled in sections, with one deep-sea bomb already removed and destroyed.

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The breech explosives with which ordnance is filled have a practically unlimited lifespan and are dangerous and deadly even after 80 years or more, which is why great caution is needed during their removal and transport.

Glamočlija emphasized the persistent danger of the explosives, noting that the "breech explosives" used have a virtually unlimited lifespan. Even after 80 years, the ordnance remains lethal. While large items like aerial bombs and artillery shells may sink deep into the riverbed, posing less immediate risk when undisturbed, their destructive power remains immense if moved or damaged. The center warns the public to avoid approaching or touching any objects resembling ordnance and to report them immediately to the authorities.

The presence of such submerged munitions is a recurring issue in the Danube and other rivers, especially during periods of low water. Historical conflicts, including both World Wars, have left a legacy of unexploded ordnance in and around these waterways, necessitating ongoing vigilance and specialized removal efforts.

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It is quite certain that due to low water levels, in dried-up parts of the Danube riverbed, but also other rivers, various unexploded ordnance can be found, which are potentially very dangerous.