Low water levels on the Danube River have exposed dozens of World War Two-era German warships in Serbia, while drought conditions across Europe’s second-longest river have disrupted shipping, tourism and put pressure on power plants in parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
The wrecks have appeared near the Serbian port of Prahovo, where the Danube separates Serbia and Romania.
The vessels belonged to Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet and were deliberately sunk in 1944 as German forces retreated from Romania and Soviet troops advanced through Europe.
Historians estimate that up to 200 German ships were scuttled near Prahovo in September 1944.
At least 20 wrecks are now visible from the riverbanks as water levels have fallen sharply, revealing rusty hulls and damaged structures, including a broken mast where the Nazi flag once flew.
The falling water levels have affected one of Europe’s most important inland waterways.
The Danube flows through 10 countries and supports cargo transport, fuel shipments and
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