Over 100 ships are stranded in the Bulgarian section of the Danube because of the low level of the river, announced the Bulgarian Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River.

The Danube River level near Bulgaria's Ruse has decreased down to 31 cm, and is expected to decrease further.

The more than 100 ships are stranded in the Bulgarian section between the ports of Somovit and Silistra but most of them – 63 – are anchored near Ruse, BGNES reported citing the river management agency.

The Bulgarian Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River based in Ruse has announced it is sending two exploration vessels – The Vit and The Danube – to measure the river level at various spots, and is ready to send the crane vessel, The Titan, and a digger, The Vida", in order to enlarge some of the most critical sections where ships are stuck.

The navigation of the Danube River has recently been hurdled after an Ukrainian vessel became stuck near the Bulgarian Danube island of Batin.

Danube's level has declined tremendously in the recent weeks. The most critical sections are near the Bulgarian Danube islands of Vardim, Belene, and Batin, the agency informed.

The waterway at the problematic section near the island of Batin was supposed to be expanded with an EUR 130 M grant from the EU Operational Program "Transport" but the project failed, and the funds were channeled to other projects.

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