Century-old shipwreck emerges from Serbia's Sava river due to drought

Severe drought and persistent heatwaves in Europe have caused water levels in Serbia's Sava river to drop significantly, revealing the remains of a 114-year-old steamship known as the Slovenac. Built in 1913 in Budapest, the vessel was originally named Vag and served as a tugboat during the Austro-Hungarian Empire before being transferred to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes following World War I. Historical accounts suggest the ship was struck by a German mine in 1945.

The vessel, measuring 54 meters in length, is currently being examined by researchers and authorities as large sections of its hull and interior have surfaced on the riverbed. While some reports refer to the wreck as the 'Sava Titanic' and estimate its age at roughly 100 years, more detailed records confirm its construction date as 1913. This discovery offers a rare opportunity for experts to study maritime history that has been submerged for decades. Investigations into the state of the wreckage are ongoing as the river levels remain low.