Nazi-era warships emerge as heatwave reduces water level in Europe's Danube

Historians and climate experts say the resurfacing relics tell two stories at once; one rooted in World War II and another unfolding in today's rapidly warming world.

In Short

• Europe faces severe heatwave with record low river levels
• Low Danube levels disrupt shipping and power plants
• Wildfires rage across southern and central Europe

Nazi-era warships have emerged in Europe as a scorching heatwave made water levels in the Danube River shrink, revealing the once-sunken ships.

Europe's punishing heatwave is leaving its mark across the continent, and it's doing so in a way that goes beyond record-breaking temperatures.

As prolonged heat and an acute lack of rainfall drive rivers to unusually low levels, long-submerged warships have re-emerged, offering a glimpse into the continent's wartime past while highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather events.

The discovery comes as large parts of southern and central Europe continue to battle recurring heatwaves, severe drought and destructive wildfires.

Scientists have said that these extremes are becoming more frequent and intense as climate change raises average temperatures, increasing evaporation, drying out rivers and creating ideal conditions for fires.

RELICS OF WORLD WAR II

Among the most surprising sights are dozens of German warships that resurfaced near the Serbian town of Prahovo.

In 1944, the ships were deliberately scuttled by retreating Nazi forces to prevent them from being captured by the advancing Soviet Army during the final stages of World War II.

As the Danube receded due to the soaring temperatures, command bridges, gun turrets, twisted hulls and rusted masts emerged above the waterline.

Some of the wrecks are believed to still contain unexploded ammunition, making them a potential hazard for river traffic whenever water levels fall sharply.

Elsewhere along the Danube river, including parts of Hungary and Croatia, other decades-old shipwrecks have also resurfaced as the river continues to shrink.

EUROPE BATTLES CLIMATE CHANGE

The Danube River, which flows for nearly 2,850 kilometres through 10 European countries before emptying into the Black Sea, has dropped to exceptionally low levels after weeks of scorching temperatures and scarce rainfall.

In Budapest, water levels recently fell to just 23 centimetres, dipping below the previous record set in 2018.

The shrinking river has disrupted cargo shipping, stranded boats and affected river tourism, while low water availability has also posed operational challenges for some power plants.

The drought has unfolded alongside one of Europe's most intense wildfire seasons in recent years.

Countries including Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and parts of the Balkans have battled large forest fires, with firefighters struggling to contain fast-moving blazes amid high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds.

Several regions have witnessed evacuations, damaged infrastructure and extensive losses to forests and farmland.

Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-driven global warming is increasing the likelihood and intensity of prolonged heatwaves and droughts across Europe.

While the exposed warships provide historians with an unexpected window into World War II, they also provide a preview of what the future holds if humanity continues on the same path. A future where climate extremes, like the ones ravaging Europe, become a regular part of life.

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