Key facts
- Dozens of World War II German warships have emerged from the Danube River due to record low water levels caused by drought.
- These ships were part of Adolf Hitler's Black Sea fleet, scuttled in September 1944 to impede the Soviet advance.
- Some wrecks are believed to contain explosives, making removal difficult.
- Other WWII artifacts, such as a German motorcycle and a British bomb, have also been discovered.
- The drought is impacting river navigation and power plant cooling, while extreme heat breaks temperature records across Central and Eastern Europe.
Record low water levels in the Danube River, exacerbated by an intense drought, have led to the emergence of dozens of World War II German warships. These vessels, part of Adolf Hitler's Black Sea fleet, were deliberately sunk in September 1944 to impede the Soviet advance. Historians estimate up to 200 ships were scuttled in this manner.
The exposed wrecks, some still believed to be laden with explosives, present a significant challenge for removal. While the ships have reappeared during previous droughts, they typically submerge again as water levels rise. The Serbian government has previously attempted to clear the wrecks but faced difficulties due to their hazardous nature.
Beyond the warships, other World War II remnants have surfaced, including a German military motorcycle found in Budapest, Hungary, and an unexploded 1,543lb (700kg) British bomb recovered in Slovakia. Authorities safely detonated the bomb in a specially prepared pit.
The Danube, Europe's second-longest river, is facing navigation challenges due to the prolonged drought. The low water levels are also contributing to an energy crisis, as many power plants rely on river water for cooling. Record temperatures have been recorded across Central and Eastern Europe, with Slovakia registering a new national high of 42C (108F), underscoring the severity of the extreme weather conditions amplified by climate change.