The wrecks dating from a 1943 battle between the Germans, the Soviet Red Army and Yugoslav partisan forces were found at the place of the wartime pontoon bridge in Batina, near the eastern town of Osijek, it added.

The site is being secured by police as it is suspected to contain explosive devices left from the war.

Remains of some 1,300 soldiers, mostly Russians, are buried in a memorial cemetery nearby.

In Croatia, suffering through its worst drought in 50 years, the water level of the Danube has fallen 45 centimeters (about 18 inches) below the average level.

TERRA.WIRE