UNREAL SCENES ON EUROPE’S SECOND-LONGEST RIVER: Several vessels run aground due to extremely low water levels on the Danube in Serbia!

Due to the exceptionally low water level of the Danube, three vessels have run aground near the Port of Bogojevo and one near Bezdan, the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure announced today, adding that their crews are safe, accommodated, and supplied with basic necessities.

Minister Aleksandra Sofronijević said today, after visiting the Bezdan Port Authority and the Port of Bogojevo, that the situation caused by the exceptionally low water level of the Danube is serious, but that all necessary measures are being taken to preserve navigation safety and ensure the functioning of river traffic.

Historic minimum water level recorded

On certain sections of the Danube, particularly at the “entry profile” near Bezdan, a historic minimum water level has been recorded, significantly hampering navigation.

Due to the narrowing of the navigable channel, transport capacities have been reduced, while navigation along the most critical sections is taking place under special operating regimes and with increased caution, the Ministry stated.

The Directorate for Inland Waterways issues daily bulletins and informs participants in river navigation about the condition and navigability of the waterway. It is also in constant communication with river transport operators, agencies, and the competent institutions of neighboring countries in order to respond promptly to changes in water levels and preserve navigation safety, Sofronijević said.