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What was hidden under the water surface of the Danube in Serbia for decades is now coming to light due to the extreme drought and the meanwhile very low water level: the wreckage of dozens of German warships.
In 1944, Nazi Germany's Black Sea Fleet sank hundreds of boats in the Danube while retreating from advancing Soviet troops.
When the water level is low, they still impede river traffic.
At Prahovo, eastern Serbia, for example, the navigable section of the Danube has been narrowed from 180 to just 100 meters by wrecks.
Another danger: many of the sunken ships still have tons of ammunition and explosives on board.
Velimir Trajilovic, pensioner and author
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The Germans left behind a great ecological catastrophe that threatens us, the residents of Prahovo.«
The Serbian authorities have been aware of the problem for some time.
In March, the Serbian government issued a tender for the salvage of the shipwrecks and the disposal of ammunition and explosives.
The costs are estimated at 29 million euros.
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