Off The Record
‘Doomsday Wreck’ Loaded With Explosives In Thames On Brink Of Disaster
According to a recent survey, a World War II “doomsday wreck” loaded with explosives may be on the verge of collapsing.
Since August 1944, the SS Richard Montgomery, which the United States employed to transport armaments during World War II, has been stranded in the bottom of the Thames Estuary.
The remnants of the 441-foot ship, which broke in half while carrying 7,000 tonnes of explosives, are situated about 1.5 miles from the town of Sheerness, Kent, on its way to Cherbourg, France.
There are still some 1,400 tonnes of bombs on board, and the wreck might still be dangerous if the masts fall and set the cargo on fire.
Since then, the Department of Transport has prohibited civilian and non-emergency aircraft from flying overhead and established a no-fly zone at the disaster site.
New SS Richard Montgomery study
According to a recent examination of the Montgomery, the front portion of the ship, which broke in two when it sank, is gradually toppling over and the hull itself is decaying.
There was additional deterioration in the second cargo hold, and the lower starboard side was “significantly buckled.”
Due to this, a portion of the deck above has begun to collapse into the hold; in just one year, the hatch supports in this location have dropped by as much as 17 cm.
The survey says, “Like the forward section, the rear section is hogging and potentially breaking in two about halfway along its length. This area was left unsupported when the ship broke in two back in 1944.”
“Consequently, it has been badly affected by wave and current action and is steadily collapsing and falling into the gap between the two halves of the vessel.”
Although the report warns, “The degree to which the bow and stern may be being undercut as the supporting sediment is eroded away is a potential concern.”
Tsunami warning
In 1970, the Royal Military College of Science predicted that a five-meter wave would be released if the entire explosive stash exploded at once.
It might envelop the neighbouring Sheerness in a column of water and debris that is around 3,000 meters high.
What the Department for Transport has said
The Montgomery’s status is still “stable,” according to the Department for Transport, the body in charge of maintaining the wreck.
A spokesperson said, “Our priority will always be to ensure the safety of the public and to reduce any risk posed by the SS Richard Montgomery. The condition of the wreck remains stable, and experts are continuing to monitor the site.”
“As part of their ongoing monitoring, they have updated advice on how authorities can further minimise risk. They have recommended that pilots and operators do not fly in a limited area around and above the site as specified by the Civil Aviation Authority.”
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