NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 5, 2026Miami-Dade
Drought reveals sunken World War II German warships in the Danube River
Record low water levels in the Danube River, caused by severe drought, have exposed dozens of sunken Nazi German warships near Prahovo, Serbia. The receding water is also threatening regional power plant operations and disrupting commercial river traffic.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
The exposure of these vessels, some still containing explosives, creates navigation hazards for international shipping and highlights the impact of extreme weather on regional infrastructure and energy security.
Key Facts
- Water levels on the Danube River have reached record lows due to drought.
- Dozens of World War II-era German warships are now visible near Prahovo, Serbia.
- Up to 200 German warships were deliberately scuttled in September 1944 to slow the Soviet advance.
- Some of the sunken ships still contain explosives, posing potential hazards.
- Low water levels have brought power plants in Central and Eastern Europe near shutdown status.
- Governments in the region are implementing electricity conservation measures.
- Commercial ship traffic on the Danube is significantly restricted due to the low water levels.
- The Serbian government has previously sought to address the ship wreckage with European Union financial support.
Who's Mentioned
organizationEuropean Union“Provides financial support for efforts to address the sunken ships.”locationPrahovo“Serbian port city near where the ships are located.”other200“Estimated number of German warships scuttled in 1944.”personKrsta Brandic“Prahovo resident commenting on the impact to ship traffic.”locationDanube River“The river where the ships are emerging and water levels are low.”organizationNazi Germany“Owner of the sunken Black Sea fleet.”organizationSoviet forces“Forces that the German fleet was attempting to slow down in 1944.”