In Serbia, Nazi German Ships Were Discovered Due To The Danube's Shallowing

• 2.08.2026, 22:03

Photo Fact.

Sunken German warships from World War II have emerged from the water near the town of Prahovo in Serbia due to the Danube’s water level dropping, according to Reuters.

The river’s water level has dropped amid a prolonged heat wave and drought in Europe. In Serbia and Croatia, water levels have reached record lows, exposing sandbars and sunken ships.

The European Commission allocated a grant of €16.5 million for the cleanup of the Danube near Prahovo, and the European Investment Bank provided nearly €14 million more. In the first phase, experts planned to remove 21 vessels. In total, the remains of about 200 ships, barges, and tugs may lie on the riverbed in this area.

Not all sunken vessels can be raised intact due to their size and condition. Such hulls may be cut up underwater or buried in the riverbed after any remaining munitions have been rendered safe. According to estimates by Serbian authorities, the disruption to navigation in this section costs the country more than €5 million annually.