Londoners are on high alert as a World War II shipwreck, carrying 1,400 tonnes of explosives, threatens to unleash a tidal wave upon the capital. Experts have raised alarms over the deteriorating SS Richard Montgomery, a US Liberty ship that has rested in the Thames Estuary since 1944.

The ‘Doomsday Wreck’ of the Thames

The SS Richard Montgomery was on its way to Cherbourg, France, during the Second World War when it ran aground in shallow waters near Sheerness. Laden with munitions, the ship broke in half, flooding and sinking to the riverbed. Today, it lies just 1.5 miles from Sheerness and five miles from Southend, a ticking time bomb under the sea.

Recent Decay and Rising Concerns

A 2023 survey has revealed troubling signs of decay. The ship’s structure is collapsing more rapidly than anticipated, with the deck space near hold three showing significant deterioration. The forward section of the wreck has developed a noticeable lean, raising fears of structural failure as the supporting sediment erodes.

Phot credits: Wellsie82/Maritime Coastguard Agency

Professor David Alexander, an expert in risk and disaster reduction at University College London, described the dire scenario if the bombs were to detonate. “A top event is all of that goes up and there’s an almighty blast… and a huge column of water and debris and stuff. We still have analogues of that from around the world where that has happened in the past, so it’s not a totally unforeseen event,” he told the BBC. He warned that the explosion could trigger a “minor tsunami,” causing significant damage.

Government and Local Response

The Department for Transport has been proactive in addressing the potential threat, aiming to ensure public safety and reduce risks posed by the SS Richard Montgomery. Experts have conducted crucial surveys, and based on their findings, the department is revising its initial plan for removing the masts in the safest manner possible.

Rich Lehmann, chair of the environment committee at Swale Borough Council, expressed concern over the wreck’s deterioration. “The deterioration of the wreck is concerning, and the council are monitoring the situation closely,” he said. Lehmann emphasised the importance of preserving the ship’s history and suggested that any artifacts removed should be brought to Sheppey, particularly Sheerness, to honour the island’s heritage.

The Legacy of WW2 Bombs

The SS Richard Montgomery is not alone in its perilous cargo. Throughout World War II, many ships carried vast amounts of explosives, some of which ended up at the bottom of the sea. These underwater munitions pose ongoing risks, as corrosion and shifting sediments can lead to unexpected detonations. In recent years, several such incidents have been documented worldwide, underscoring the importance of monitoring and mitigating these threats.

A Historical Landmark in Peril

The SS Richard Montgomery holds a special place in Sheerness’s history and is a symbol of the community’s resilience. As efforts continue to manage the risks, the wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the past and the enduring legacy of wartime dangers.

With the safety of London and surrounding areas at stake, all eyes are on the ‘doomsday wreck’ in the Thames, hoping that careful management and swift action will prevent a catastrophe.