TechDanube's low waters uncover mysterious pre-1950 shipwrecks near Mohács

Danube's low waters uncover mysterious pre‑1950 shipwrecks near Mohács

A mysterious discovery on the Danube. The water receded and revealed findings.
A mysterious discovery on the Danube. The water receded and revealed findings.
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12:37 PM EDT, September 11, 2024

The Danube's low water level has revealed shipwrecks from before 1950 near the city of Mohács. The discovery has sparked interest among researchers trying to determine their origin. The ongoing drought and heat waves contribute to the river's water level drop.

The low water level in the Danube has revealed shipwrecks whose origin remains a mystery.

Near the city of Mohács, where the river has reached a depth of just 5 feet, four vessels from before 1950 have been discovered. They are still equipped with turrets and captain's bridges.

We still don't know what this is exactly — admitted Endre Sztellik, a ranger of the Danube-Drava National Park, where the wrecks were discovered.

As RVN highlights, shipwreck expert Ferenc Toth points to further research to better understand these vessels' histories.

This is not the first time the Danube has revealed ships hidden underwater — similar discoveries occurred, for example, in 2018.

The river's low water level is attributed to recent heatwaves and drought, which affected it in July and August. On Tuesday, in Budapest, it was only 4 feet, while during floods, it can exceed 26 feet.

TVN reminds us that similar discoveries also appear in Serbia, near the river port of Prahovo. Many of these wrecks are ships sunk by the retreating German army in 1944 during World War II.

The wrecks can pose a navigation hazard, especially in conditions of low water levels.