Danube low water uncovers 1930s shipwreck near Opatovac

A sharp drop in the Danube’s water level near the village of Opatovac has exposed the remains of a sunken vessel. Municipal officials, led by Lea Vidić, mayor of the Lovas municipality, posted photographs of the visible hull and called on residents, historians and anyone with information to help identify the wreck. They have already received a valuable lead: a 1937 newspaper article describing a maritime accident in the area.

The historical report says the Hungarian cargo ship Fulton was towing an Austrian barge loaded with about 50 railcars of coal toward Novi Sad when it sank near Opatovac, the cause of which was never confirmed. Officials note that only the ship’s stern is currently visible, but further falls in water level could reveal additional parts of the structure. Confirmation of the vessel’s identity will require expert investigations and additional archival research.