Serbian Danube Drops to Record Low, Exposing Sandbanks and Stranding Vessels

Record‑low water levels on the Danube have exposed extensive sandbanks and left several marinas in northern Serbia dry, forcing cargo vessels to seek refuge on the riverbank. The latest measurements, taken in the towns of Smederevo and Sremska Mitrovica, show a drop of more than 1.5 meters from the 2023 high, the lowest level recorded in the last decade. The exposed shoals have made navigation hazardous, with several bulk carriers and container ships stranded near the river’s edge.

Authorities attribute the decline to a combination of prolonged drought, reduced upstream water releases, and increased water extraction for irrigation. The Serbian Water Management Agency has warned that the situation could worsen if the dry spell continues, and it has called for coordinated water‑saving measures across the Danube basin. Local businesses that rely on river transport have reported significant delays, and the dry marinas are now unable to accommodate the usual number of recreational vessels.

In response, the Ministry of Transport has pledged to monitor water levels closely and to explore temporary dredging solutions to restore navigable channels. Meanwhile, the region’s shipping companies are evaluating alternative routes and schedules to mitigate the economic impact of the low water conditions.