First the death of the fish, and now new disturbing scenes from the Sava: 'Such a catastrophe has never been seen before'

Fishermen along the Sava River have raised alarm over unusual oil-like stains appearing on the water’s surface, marking another troubling episode after a mass fish die-off earlier this week. The situation has sparked concern among local residents and environmental groups, with reports indicating visible patches of thick slime and dark mottling stretching for more than a kilometer along the riverbank near Prerovac. The latest developments come just days after a large-scale fish mortality event left dozens of dead fish floating in the river, causing panic among locals. Fishermen from the Posavski Ranger Association, based in Prerovac, say they are particularly worried about the new signs of contamination. “Never before have we seen such oily streaks forming these structures,” said Karel Jeren, president of the association. He described the scene on Wednesday as alarming, with hundreds of dead fish scattered along the banks, while today’s conditions were marked by thick, slimy patches. Local fishermen, including Siniša Herdoman, who regularly monitors the river, expressed frustration over the growing concerns. “We’re always here on the river, there are over 50 children who visit, but we don’t let them in. This kind of smell is terrible. Who will be held responsible? We don’t know. Hopefully, the rain will help wash it away,” he said. The oily residue is reportedly noticeable for more than a kilometer along the Sava, according to the fishermen. Authorities have responded to the calls for action, sending officials to inspect the site. However, their initial assessment suggests there is no immediate cause for alarm. They claim the phenomenon could be the result of the downstream movement of previously deceased fish, though further analysis of the water quality is ongoing. “We believe it might be related to sewage systems or poorly maintained collector lines, but we can’t confirm this until the institutions complete their work,” Jeren explained. Despite the official stance, local residents remain uneasy. Many fear that the situation reflects a broader issue of pollution affecting the river’s health. “This is a very serious form of contamination. It’s been decades since we’ve seen anything like this,” said Marijan Bogatui, a long-time fisherman from Prerovac. He added that he has fished the Sava for nearly five decades and considers the current state of the river deeply concerning. The Posavski Ranger Association continues to push for transparency and accountability, urging authorities to provide clear answers. “We want the Sava to remain clean so that people can swim in it and enjoy its beauty,” Jeren emphasized. While some government representatives insist that the situation does not warrant urgent intervention, others acknowledge the need for thorough investigation. As the analysis of the water samples proceeds, the community watches closely. For now, the river flows with a sense of unease, and many hope that the results of the upcoming tests will bring clarity, and relief, to those who depend on the Sava for their livelihood and well-being.