The municipality of Ásványráró and the Széchenyi István University in Győr have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at turning a WWII-era concrete shipwreck into a tourist attraction. The agreement was signed on March 19 by Mayor Rita Popp and Dr. Sándor Remsei, Dean of the Kautz Gyula Faculty of Business and Economics.
The initiative seeks to utilize the unique location of the sunken vessel, situated near a popular cycling route and rest area in the Szigetköz region. Around thirty university students will contribute ideas for tourism development, and plans include creating a scale model of the ship with help from architecture students and vocational school trainees.
The idea was originally proposed by Henrik Klemencz, President of the Hungarian Water Tourism Association. The shipwreck itself dates back to World War II, when, due to a shortage of metal, concrete was used to construct the 30-meter-long and 7-meter-wide barge-like transport ship. After being damaged and grounded, the vessel was abandoned due to the high cost of salvage.
Though it was once visible during low water levels and became a unique sight for passersby, a recent water replenishment project has caused the river level to rise, submerging the wreck completely. Despite being designated as a protected artifact, it now remains hidden beneath the surface.
The goal of the new project is to bring the shipwreck back into public focus and enhance its role as a cultural and historical highlight, contributing to the tourism potential of Ásványráró and the surrounding Szigetköz area.
Source: kisalfold.hu
