12.08.2025.
PRESS RELEASE
In the interest of providing accurate information to the public regarding the removal of the pontoon bridge connecting the Zemun Quay and the Great War Island, we would like to clarify the following – in accordance with the contract between the River Flotilla and the Tourist Organization of the City Municipality of Zemun, the installation and use of the bridge was agreed upon for a fixed period of 45 days – from June 27 to August 10. As stipulated, the pontoon bridge, which is traditionally installed by the River Flotilla during the summer season to provide citizens with access to Lido Beach, was dismantled on August 11.
The Ministry of Defence emphasizes that any alternative interpretations of this event are misleading and represent an attempt to deceive the public and undermine the high reputation of the Serbian Armed Forces.
The pontoon bridge had been properly installed and completely safe for use. With the continuous presence and supervision of the duty crew, it operated without any issues throughout the agreed period, until August 10. Due to exceptionally high water levels on the Danube and a significant accumulation of river deposits, the bridge was temporarily taken out of service for one day during that period, strictly as a precautionary safety measure. Based on a thorough assessment of the situation, members of the Serbian Armed Forces’ pontoon units responded promptly by adding additional floats to ensure the stability and continued safety of the bridge.
The Ministry of Defence calls on the media to refrain from spreading false and unverified information, as well as from making malicious interpretations that could damage the reputation of the Serbian Armed Forces – an institution that carried out its duties responsibly and professionally in the service of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
