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Deepest and strongest sources, longest underwater channels, caves with most sumps, etc.
Underground Serbia
Underground Montenegro
Lelićki kras
The first exploration of Dragov Pit began in 1977, and since then it has been visited and further explored multiple times. At that time, it held the distinction of being the deepest pit in Serbia. It was named after a local individual who tragically fell into it. At the bottom of this 183-meter pit, there is a moderate-sized lake with slight water fluctuations throughout the year. Due to its almost vertical structure, transporting heavy equipment through the pit is time-consuming and physically demanding. Despite several diving attempts, no significant results have been achieved thus far, except for a recorded depth of 15 meters.
Type: Pit – Sinkhole
This is our exploration crown jewel, the true Estavela, and the only one by our record in Serbia. The first survey was conducted in 2013, although it had been mentioned earlier. Access to the Estavela is only possible during the driest month of the year, and even then, it remains uncertain. Its channels are both staggering and complex, presenting a challenge for further exploration. Progress has been halted by a permanent sump, which awaits our next visit. One interesting fact is the possibility of hearing a roaring train within the Estavela, which can be truly terrifying. Its name is derived from its proximity to the railway. Unfortunately, due to the sanitation process on that section of the railway, the train in the vicinity has undergone significant modifications, altering the hydrogeology of the Estavela and threatening its existence.
Type: Estavela
The cave has a long history of human visitation and exploration, dating back to before the time of Christ. Although there have been several attempts by our team members to dive it, success was not achieved until the time of the COVID pandemic, when it became a focal point of our exploration efforts. During that time, it briefly held the record for the deepest passed sump in Serbia, reaching a depth of -24 meters. However, it was surpassed by the second sump in Pravi Vir, which has a depth of -36 meters. The sump in the cave is part of an intermittent source, meaning its flow can vary suddenly from complete stagnation to moderate or even high flow. This, combined with the moderate size of the last part of the channel, makes diving in the cave challenging and potentially dangerous. It is recommended to undertake diving expeditions during the mid-dry season when water oscillations are minimal. The second sump appears to immediately follow the end of the first sump. Unfortunately, detailed drawings are not available at this time.
Type: Intermittent Source
Through the use of water coloring, it has been theorized that this cave system could potentially be the longest in Serbia. It features three sumps and is connected to over four sources, forming the shortest path of more than 20 kilometers. This cave system has been a focus of our exploration efforts for some time. The total length of the cave system, including the first sump, is just over 1 kilometer, indicating that this project is still in its early stages. In the past, members of the Poseidon club have dived the first sump, but they were unable to pass through it. Beyond the first sump, there are dry channels that extend continuously for more than 300 meters and likely further. However, further surveying and exploration of the cave system will require significant transportation support. This is necessary to facilitate the logistical challenges involved in conducting thorough surveys and expanding exploration efforts within the cave system.
Type: Sinkhole
This cave is undoubtedly the most complex sump cave in Serbia, featuring an impressive total of seven sumps in the main channel and an additional three sumps in a side channel. The number of sumps detected in this cave is the highest among all known caves in Serbia. In 2018, the cave played a pivotal role in the largest and most intricate international cave diving rescue exercise ever held in the Balkan region. This exercise involved 21 participants from 7 countries, highlighting the cave’s significance and the attention it has garnered within the international cave diving community. The upper part of the cave is already known and holds immense archaeological importance. However, the first sump had not been dived prior to our team’s exploration, as far as we are aware. Further exploration of the cave demands the use of lighter and more specialized equipment to navigate through the challenging sumps. Additionally, more detailed surveying is necessary to fully understand the cave’s complexity and to document its features accurately.
Type: Soruce
The first of the three sumps is artificial and was created due to the rising water level of the Danube. This occurrence is rare, as it allows for the observation of speleothems underwater. The end of sump three is less than 1 km away in a straight line from the furthest point reached in the Buronov sinkhole, which stretches approximately four kilometers long. Future exploration will focus on confirming this connection by using water coloring and pushing sumps further until the final connection is established. There is a possibility that this cave is not connected, and that the water is flowing in different directions.
Type: Soruce
The deepest pit in Serbia boasts an impressive denivelation of -256 meters, with a dive depth of -29 meters, resulting in a total depth of -285 meters. It is intriguing to note that the water level at the bottom of the pit is believed to be influenced by the water level of the Danube River. This observation suggests that this section of the cave was likely dry in the past, prior to the construction of the Đerdap 2 dam. Notably, this cave is also home to the largest Serbian cave amphipod, a unique species found exclusively in several caves on this mountain and nowhere else. The presence of such a distinct and specialized organism further adds to the ecological significance and biodiversity of the cave system.
Type: Pit – Sinkhole
Cave Sokolovica plays a significant role in draining the water from the higher plateau of Miroč mountain. It serves as an important conduit for the water flowing through the mountain. What makes this cave even more remarkable is that it is one of the few locations where the largest Serbian cave amphipod can be found. This unique species of amphipod has adapted to the specific conditions within the cave and is not commonly found elsewhere. The presence of the largest Serbian cave amphipod in Sokolovica Cave adds to its ecological importance and highlights the diverse and specialized ecosystems that can be found within cave environments.
Type: Source
The deepest karst source in Serbia and one of the strongest in the country, it reaches a staggering depth of -130 meters, and a further passage has yet to be discovered. Despite being explored by many, the available drawings only extend to a depth of -80 meters. Triton Team has been at the forefront of exploration since 2009. The channels within the cave are almost vertical, formed by prominent cracks. We strongly believe that the continuation lies just before reaching its deepest point, hidden within one of the cracks, awaiting meticulous investigation. The significant depth makes this search technically demanding and requires the use of helium for expansion. Notably, this cave is home to the only known cave shrimp species in Serbia, discovered by our team in 2019. This rare and critically endangered organism deserves immediate attention. The map provided is an approximate sketch and requires more accurate surveying as soon as possible.
Type: Source
Until 2019, this cave boasted the title of having the longest underwater channel in Serbia. However, it has since been surpassed by the second sump in cave Pravi Vir. The underwater channel in this cave is now flooded due to artificial water rise caused by a nearby water plant. The depths of the underwater section do not exceed 12 meters, and ongoing exploration is taking place. Unverified data suggests that Malo vrelo may drain water from the Ivkov ponor pit, located 4 kilometers away. This indicates a significant potential for underwater channels in the area. Previous explorations led by Sasa P. Milanovic and Aleksandar Milosavljevic reached a penetration depth of up to 130 meters, to the best of our knowledge.
Type: Source
The discovery of Miliva Cave came as a surprise to us. We noticed signs of previous explorers, such as the presence of Ariana left in the first sump. The channel leading from the third sump appeared unexplored as well. Additionally, there was a side channel that also contained a sump, which has been surveyed. The water level in the flooded channel gives the impression of being relatively newer, possibly formed by the collapse of parts of the ceiling and subsequent calcification in front of the first sump. We speculate that the flooded channels may have larger dimensions, but they are likely filled with significant amounts of sediment on the floor, which hinders further exploration. This sediment deposition presents challenges in progressing deeper into the cave.
Type: Source
Mava Cave is one of the strongest sources in Serbia and currently holds the title of the second deepest source, with a recorded depth of -91 meters. However, it should be noted that the deepest part of the channel, which is not depicted on the drawing, extends for approximately 100 meters with an average depth of 90 meters and starts to rise towards the end. A surface investigation conducted by Sasa P. Milanovic has revealed the significant potential of Mava Cave in terms of its length. However, due to a restriction at a depth of 24 meters, the cave is extremely challenging to explore, if not impossible, after moderate rains. It is crucial to exercise caution when exiting the cave after similar rain events, as there is a risk of being forcefully expelled by the strong current. The map provided is an approximate sketch and requires more accurate surveying as soon as possible to provide a clearer representation of the cave’s features.
Type: Source
In close proximity to the Mlava source, there is a smaller source called Belosevac, which is of notable significance. Near this source is the cave known as Živkova Hole, and it is believed that these two are connected. The sump in Živkova Hole is located less than 100 meters away from the Belosevac source. Efforts have been initiated to expand the entrance at the Belosevac source by digging and making it more accessible. Although progress is promising, the process is time-consuming due to the nature of the work involved. Additionally, the sump in Živkova Hole has been dived to a depth of -60 meters. As divers proceed deeper, the presence of distant sidewalls suggests the potential existence of a large chamber within the cave. This indicates the possibility of further exploration and discovery within Živkova Hole.
Type: Source
Krivi Vir is the source of the Crni Timok River. Initially, the first sump held the title of being the longest underwater channel in Serbia. However, this distinction now belongs to the nearby cave, Pravi Vir. The depth of the first sump is generally only a few meters, indicating that this section was once dry in the past. In front of the cave, one can find remnants of an old hydro dam, which led to changes in the cave’s entrance. As a result, the water level significantly rose, giving rise to the formation of the first sump. During the rainy season, the first and second sumps become connected due to the rising water. The second sump gradually descends to a maximum depth of -13 meters and terminates in a moderate chamber filled with collapsed rocks. So far, no further passage has been discovered, but there are unchecked cracks that give us hope for future exploration. A drawing of the cave was created by a Polish expedition team in 2017.
Type: Source
This cave is renowned as the longest in Serbia, at least until 2011. Its total length encompasses the passages within the cave, excluding any underwater channels. Although the drawing did not depict a connection to the outside of the cave near the river, it was easily within reach and in close proximity. The surveyed channel begins from the tourist section of the cave and extends upstream. In the following years, a Polish team further extended the line, ultimately concluding in a dry passage accessible to dry speleologists.
Type: Source
The discovery of Cave Pravi Vir was a pleasant surprise for us, as its length, depth, and complexity exceeded our expectations. The cave’s underwater channel, specifically the 2nd sump, spans approximately 500 meters in length, making it the longest underwater channel in Serbia. Furthermore, the maximum depth of the 2nd sump at -36 meters was an unexpected find, establishing it as the deepest passed sump in Serbia. However, the exploration of the sump itself has not been accomplished yet, and further investigation is required to fully understand its characteristics. The provided drawings depict the dry parts of the cave between the 1st and 2nd sumps and were created by a Polish team in 2017. It is important to note that these drawings do not represent the underwater sections of the cave.
Type: Source
Located on the border with Bulgaria, the strongest karstic source in Eastern Serbia has been known and explored since the 1980s. However, there were no surveys or drawings until 2012. This cave features a single channel with imposing dimensions for Serbia, and during the summer, the water is crystal clear. However, it becomes impassable during heavy rains and high water due to the restricted entrance. The channel descends rapidly to a depth of 45-50 meters, curving slightly for approximately 200 meters before abruptly ending in blocks. Although a possible continuation has been identified, it has not yet been traversed due to its moderate dimensions. We are highly motivated to expand this passage using all available means and push the limits of exploration in this cave. Stay tuned for further updates and developments.
Type: Source
The exploration of Juriško Vrelo Cave began in 2006, focusing initially on the dry sections of the cave. Over time, progress has been made, and currently, the exploration has reached the 3rd sump, with a maximum depth of 67 meters. Previous water coloring experiments have provided evidence suggesting that Juriško Vrelo Cave is connected with Pecina nad Vražjim Firovima Cave. This connection between the two caves was confirmed through the use of water coloring techniques. The most recent advancement in the exploration of Juriško Vrelo Cave was made during the Meduza expedition in 2022. This expedition involved further efforts to push the boundaries and gain new insights into the cave system. The ongoing exploration of Juriško Vrelo Cave demonstrates the dedication and commitment of explorers in uncovering the secrets of this intriguing underground world.
Type: Source
This is just the miniature fragment of all known underwater caves in Serbia. There are only 287 registered caves on area of Lelićki Karst. Our goal is to log every one of them will continuously exploring a new ones.