Low Danube reveals two Second World War warships

Exceptionally low water levels on the Danube have exposed parts of two Second World War warships near Ardagger in the Amstetten district, attracting onlookers, ORF reported on Saturday.

The wrecks have lain on the riverbed for more than 80 years. They become visible every few years when the Danube falls to unusually low levels. Michael Scharfmüller travelled from Ybbs to see them after reading about the discovery on Facebook.

Hobby historian Rudolf Enengel of the Ardagger History Circle said the ships had been sunk in the final days of the war. According to his account, one ship came under fire after encountering American tanks on the opposite bank. It was no longer seaworthy and was probably sunk by German forces to prevent it from being used.

Attempts to recover the two wrecks failed several years ago. Enengel said they had sunk deep into the gravel bed, meaning that recovering them would require extensive excavation. Ardagger Mayor Johannes Pressl said there was no reason to fear remaining ammunition because the ships had been defused long ago.