Europe’s worst drought in years has pushed the Danube to one of its lowest levels, exposing the bodies of dozens of explosives-laden German warships sunk during World War II near the river port city of Prahovo from Serbia.
The ships are among hundreds of German vessels sunk in 1944 as they retreated from the Black Sea against advancing Soviet forces, and still hamper river traffic during low water levels, according to Reuters.
However, this year’s drought, which scientists believe is a consequence of global warming, has uncovered more than 20 ships on a stretch of the Danube near Prahovo in eastern Serbia, many still containing tons of ammunition and explosives and representing a hazard to navigation.
These German warships are endangering citizens
“The German flotilla left behind a great ecological disaster that threatens us, the people of Prahovo,” said Velimir Trajilovic, 74, a pensioner from Prahovo who has written a book about the German ships.