Receding waters reveal WWII German warship remains in Danube River

Historical wreckage surfaces in Serbia as extreme temperatures lower river levels

2024-09-13 18:19:54

BELGRADE, Serbia 

The remains of a German warship from World War II have emerged in the Danube River near Prahovo in eastern Serbia, following a significant drop in water levels caused by recent extreme temperatures.

Local media reported on Friday that the receding waters have revealed the ship's hull, which was previously submerged.

Despite significant rusting, the wreck remains largely intact. The vessel is believed to be part of Nazi Germany's Black Sea fleet, abandoned during the retreat from Soviet forces in 1944.

The Danube River, which runs along the border between Serbia and Romania, is known to be the final resting place for more than 200 shipwrecks from the war.

These wrecks have been buried under sediment for approximately 80 years. As the river's water levels continue to fluctuate, the appearance of these sunken vessels has occasionally disrupted river traffic, according to local reports.

*Writing by Merve Berker in Ankara