Ships stranded as river Don dries up

More than fifty massive container ships are stuck in shallow waters on the river Don in western Russia. Strong easterly winds are being blamed for falling water levels in the country's fourth largest river, causing traffic jams.

The water level is half a metre below normal, leaving many boats unable to float.

If weather conditions don't improve, it's feared all movement along the river may be blocked.

Sailors blame temporary weather conditions for the snarl-up. 

But climatologists warn that the Don is growing shallower by several centimeters each year.