What kind of find is this
You cannot safely tell from appearance whether an object on a riverbank or in shallow water is dangerous. Old grenades, mines, shells and ammunition parts can resemble a rusty tube, ball, can or piece of metal. If an object resembles ordnance or has become visible as the water recedes, treat it as potentially dangerous.
What to do immediately
Do not touch, lift, move, dismantle or try to clean the object. Do not throw stones at it or approach for a close photograph. Move away, keep children and other people back, then call police on 192. Give the location, a nearby landmark, the nearest settlement and explain how responders can reach it safely. The government emergency-number directory also lists 112. Responders on scene will decide the safe area and next steps.
Why this has become visible on the Danube
Low water exposes shallows and sections of bank normally under water. On 2 August, 021 republished a Danas report based on unofficial police information: since 1 July, two hand grenades, a mortar shell and an aerial bomb had been found near Petrovaradin Fortress and Kamenički Park. That concerns a specific area near Novi Sad and does not mean every object on a bank is ordnance.
Current status
According to the 021 report, the aerial bomb was neutralised and was planned to be taken away for destruction. The report cites unofficial police information, so details of the finds may be updated. That does not change what people by the water should do: do not search for, inspect or touch an unknown object.
Why this matters for families
The risk comes not only from the object itself, but from trying to move it, show it to children or take it home. One device described near Petrovaradin was found where children had been playing. On a newly exposed bank, agree on a simple rule: do not touch an unknown metal object; call an adult and the police at once.
What remains open
Public details about the origin of the devices and the exact timetable for final destruction of the aerial bomb are not yet known. Do not treat a bank as safe simply because one object has already been neutralised. If responders cordon off an area or give instructions on site, follow them.