Police patrol Danube after attempted theft from submerged barges

Police and border authorities in Romania have launched patrols near Izvoarele following reports of an attempted theft from submerged barges in the Danube River. On August 9, authorities were alerted that two individuals on a boat were attempting to steal components from four barges that had been intentionally scuttled.

Upon inspection, officers from the Constanța County Police Inspectorate found no missing components and no signs of cutting on the barges. A 46-year-old man, identified as the owner of the boat, was taken in for questioning. A criminal case has been opened regarding the attempted qualified theft.

The barges were submerged as part of a controlled operation to maintain sufficient water levels for the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant due to low river levels. Law enforcement, in coordination with the Coast Guard, is conducting permanent preventive patrols in the fluvial sector to ensure security and discourage criminal activity.