Fears WW2 munitions shipwreck could explode

Fears are growing that a Second World War shipwreck off the Kent coast could explode.

The SS Richard Montgomery, a US cargo vessel, sank carrying more than 6,000 tons of munitions bound for France on Aug 20 1944. It has been deteriorating under water off the Nore sandbank in the Thames estuary, near Sheerness, for the past 75 years.

Politicians and experts are divided over the threat the wreck – which still contains munitions despite a salvage operation – poses, The Observer said.

Proposals to move it have been discounted on the grounds of cost while plans to remove the remaining explosives would require the evacuation of people living nearby.