For decades, the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II battleship carrying 1,400 tonnes of unexploded bombs, has quietly rested in the River Thames, earning the ominous nickname ‘Doomsday Wreck.’ However, experts now warn that the deteriorating condition of the ship poses an imminent risk of a catastrophic explosion.

Situated in the Thames Estuary near Sheerness in Kent and Southend-on-Sea in Essex since 1944, the ship’s three masts, still visible above the water, have become severely corroded. Concerns loom large that a collapse of these masts onto the dormant explosives below could trigger a devastating blast, potentially leading to an enormous tsunami capable of causing widespread destruction.

A recent parliamentary report from Medway Council highlights the gravity of the situation, suggesting that a blast could launch a colossal column of water, mud, metal, and munitions nearly 10,000 feet into the air, endangering wildlife and the lives of many. Researchers at Defence Research and Development Canada have even dubbed the Montgomery a potential candidate for ‘one of the world’s biggest non-nuclear explosions,’ with the capacity to cause extensive damage and loss of life.

Southend Labour councillor Lydia Hyde emphasises the urgency of the situation, stating that corrosion has progressed to a critical point. Recent assessments reveal that the masts’ structural integrity is compromised, prompting the need for immediate action to prevent a potential disaster.

The SS Montgomery, named after American General Richard Montgomery, sank during the summer of 1944 due to a force 8 gale causing its anchor to drag into shallow waters. A design flaw led to the hull snapping in two, and the ship sank to the riverbed, where it has remained ever since.

Efforts to salvage the ship initially removed over 5,000 tonnes of munitions, but approximately 1,400 tonnes remain, including unfused TNT bombs, fused cluster bombs, and smoke bombs filled with white phosphorus. The stability of the white phosphorus underwater poses a significant risk, as exposure to air could lead to spontaneous ignition.

The potential consequences of an explosion were outlined in a 2019 House of Lords debate, where it was suggested that the wreck could trigger a massive column of water and debris, along with a five-metre-high tsunami. The impact, according to Councillor Hyde, could be felt in Southend, over five miles away, with potential window damage and danger to pedestrians.

Plans to remove the masts were initially proposed in 2020, with concerns that they were placing undue strain on the vessel. However, the removal has faced delays, and the masts continue to stand. Councillor Hyde now reveals that removal is slated for March, emphasising the meticulous planning and expertise involved to avoid a catastrophic incident.

A spokesperson from the Department for Transport assures the public that their priority is safety. Experts have been commissioned to survey the wreckage, and plans to remove the masts are under review, with a commitment to proceed as safely and expeditiously as possible.