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Historical Shipwrecks Resurface in the Danube Amid Drought

As Eastern Europe experienced a significant summer drought, remnants of World War II were unexpectedly revealed in the Danube River near Prahovo, Serbia. Soviet forces’ advance during 1944 saw Nazi troops intentionally sink various vessels, creating a hidden graveyard of German ships beneath the river’s surface. These include a diverse assortment of craft such as torpedo boats, tugboats, transport ferries, and barges.

Recent reports from Reuters highlight how the drought’s impact on water levels is bringing these historical artifacts back into view. Some ships have been nearly covered by sand, while others have exposed key structures, such as command bridges and hulls.

This resurgence of shipwrecks poses significant navigation challenges for contemporary vessels traversing the Danube, which winds 365 miles through Serbia. In the Djerdap Gorge area near Prahovo, the wrecks have constricted the waterway to approximately 330 feet in width.

Efforts to remove these sunken ships, however, are complicated by the presence of unexploded ordnance. Velimir Miki Trailovic, a local historian, emphasized the potential dangers of the wreckage, stating that they are laden with mines and shells that could result in catastrophic accidents if disturbed, as reported by Ognjen Zoric of Agence France-Presse.

This occurrence is not unprecedented; similar low water levels in 2022 allowed the ships to surface. During that time, the Serbian government initiated a substantial operation to clear out 21 vessels, with support from the European Investment Bank and the Western Balkans Investment Framework. A notable success was the retrieval of a minesweeper last month, as reported by AFP.

Economic Opportunities Through Infrastructure Development

The European Union has expressed interest in the removal project, emphasizing the economical and ecological benefits of inland shipping. EU officials note that moving goods via waterways can be significantly more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than land transport. As stated by Emanuel Giaufret, the EU ambassador in Serbia, “One ship can carry the same amount of grain as 120 trucks,” highlighting the efficiency of water transport.

In addition to the sunken German fleet, other historic vessels have also appeared in the Danube-Drava National Park in Hungary, prompted by the ongoing drought. The specific origins of these ships remain unknown, raising curiosity among officials and visitors alike. Endre Sztellik, a park guard, mentioned the unfortunate trend of diminishing wrecks, as people show interest in exploring the artifacts, often leading to parts going missing.

Wider Impact of Climatic Changes in the Region

The drought has had severe repercussions throughout Eastern Europe, resulting in lower agricultural outputs. In Serbia, farmers have reported the need to harvest corn and sunflower crops significantly earlier than usual for the third consecutive year. According to Euronews, many crops have been adversely affected, with reports of corn stalks lacking ears or producing very small yields.

Conversely, parts of Central Europe are grappling with the opposite extreme, facing flooding brought on by heavy rains. Emergency services in countries including Poland, Austria, and Romania are actively working to bolster riverbanks and provide essential resources like food and water to isolated communities, as reported by the Associated Press.

Source
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