Watch: Hidden WWII Nazi warships resurface as Danube hits 30-year low
Sunken Nazi warships have emerged from the Danube as water levels drop during Europe’s scorching heatwave. In Serbia, dozens of World War II German battleships have become visible on the riverbed. The ships, of which there are thought to be up to 200, were deliberately sunk by the Germans as they retreated from the Soviets towards the end of the war. The river’s water levels plummeted last Thursday (30 July) to the lowest levels for 30 years in several countries, including Serbia and Romania. The record-low levels could lead to an energy crisis across several European countries, as low water continues to disrupt cooling systems. In Serbia, the country’s main hydroelectric plant can now only operate at 20% of its capacity.
The Independent • 8/5/2026, 5:23:32 PM