<a href="https://zagreb.today/croatia-no-longer-near-eu-bottom-for-holiday-affordability/” title=”Croatia no longer near EU bottom for holiday affordability”>Croatia – The Croatian Army has been deployed to help rescue a replica of an ancient Roman ship that became stranded on the banks of the Drava River near Osijek because of exceptionally low water levels
The 18-metre-long, five-tonne vessel, Danuvina Alacris, is a replica of a Roman galley built as part of a project involving Germany’s University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. The wooden ship was at risk of serious damage after being left on dry land.
Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić visited the military personnel involved in the operation on Wednesday, highlighting the engineering capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces and cooperation between Croatia and Germany.
A total of 18 Croatian Army personnel are taking part – 12 from the Engineering Battalion of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade and six from the Engineering Regiment.
Military engineers have prepared an access route and constructed special sliding “skis” that will allow the vessel to be moved towards the water. The ship has also been secured with wooden beams because of concerns over the stability of its structure.
Engineers are continuously watering the wooden hull to prevent it from drying out and cracking. Brigadier General Valentin Skroza said the vessel could have suffered irreversible damage if the operation had been delayed for several more days.
The operation involves an excavator, bulldozer, backhoe loader, lorry, technical workshop, tugboat and two boats. A tugboat has also been brought to Osijek to assist once the vessel is returned to the river.
The relaunch is currently planned for 26 August, subject to the arrival of specialised lifting equipment and a towing vehicle organised by the German university.
Once back in the water, Danuvina Alacris is expected to be towed to the transit port in Osijek, where it will be lifted onto a transport vehicle for its return to Germany.
The operation is another example of the Croatian Armed Forces providing engineering support to civilian institutions in addition to their primary defence role.
Source: www.croatiaweek.com
