The SS Richard Montgomery, a United States cargo ship that sank in 1944 in the Thames River estuary carrying about 7,000 tons of World War II explosives, remains at the bottom of the river near the town of Sheerness, United Kingdom.
About 1,400 tons of these bombs are still on board, representing a significant risk if the ship deteriorates and causes an explosion.
Recent research indicates that the ship’s structure is wearing out, with parts of the hull and deck beginning to collapse, especially in the front area, which broke in half during the sinking.
The hull is being corroded by the action of waves and currents, increasing the possibility of a major accident. Experts warn that the erosion of the sediment supporting the ship is a concern, as it could further weaken the vessel.
In case of a total explosion of the cargo, previous studies point out that a tsunami up to five meters high could be generated, hitting the nearby town and causing great damage. Therefore, the United Kingdom Department of Transport constantly monitors the site, keeping the wreck in a condition considered stable and imposing flight restrictions to avoid risks to civilian aircraft in the region.
Source: LADbible | Photo: X @MCA_media | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A great image of the SS Richard Montgomery by @ukchp pic.twitter.com/3Sw4PsU6Cw
— Maritime and Coastguard Agency (@MCA_media) January 27, 2014
