NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 21, 2026Miami-Dade
Historic steam tugboat emerges from Sava River as European drought exposes riverbed relics
A 1913 steam tugboat known as the 'Slovenian' has surfaced in Serbia's Sava River due to record-low water levels caused by a prolonged European drought. The exposure of this vessel, along with other historical artifacts across the continent, highlights the severe impact of extreme heat and water shortages on European infrastructure and historical sites.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
The emergence of these relics serves as a physical indicator of a severe, continent-wide drought that is currently disrupting trade, power generation, and water supplies across Europe.
Key Facts
- The 'Slovenian' steam tugboat was built in 1913 in Budapest and measures approximately 54 meters (177 feet) in length.
- The vessel sank in late April 1945 after hitting a German mine while transporting wounded fighters.
- Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, with temperatures rising since the 1980s.
- As of late July 2026, 50% of the EU and UK are experiencing drought conditions, with 9% at the 'alert' level.
- The Triglav Lodge in the Slovenian Alps is at an elevation of 2,515 meters (8,251 feet) and has restricted water usage due to the drought.
- Low water levels in the Danube have disrupted nuclear power plants in Hungary and Romania.
- The current drought is attributed to a lack of winter snow and a dry spring.
Who's Mentioned
personAndrija Popovic“Historian and head of the Sremska Mitrovica town museum.”organizationEuropean Drought Observatory“EU agency monitoring drought conditions.”organizationCopernicus Climate Change Service“EU agency providing climate data.”locationDanube River“Major European waterway experiencing record-low levels.”personDejan Vladikovic“Serbian hydrology expert.”locationSava River“River in Serbia where the 'Slovenian' wreck was found.”