ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Sunken Ship Full Of '1,000 Tonnes Of Explosives' Could Go Off At Any Moment

Sunken Ship Full Of '1,000 Tonnes Of Explosives' Could Go Off At Any Moment

If it went off, it could destroy the port of Sheerness.

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay

A sunken ship from World War II that contains over 1,000 tonnes of unexploded bombs could go off at any time, reports the Mirror.

The SS Montgomery was on its way to France as part of a convoy in the Thames Estuary off Sheerness in Kent back in 1944, however, it never made it to its destination.

Unfortunately, the ship dragged its anchor and became grounded on a sandbank approximately 250 metres from the Medway Approach Channel, according to KentLive.

It was full of loads of explosives as they were intended for use by the Allies. In 2004, the New Scientist claimed that if the ship did explode, it would be one of the 'biggest non-nuclear blasts ever' and subsequently destroy the port of Sheerness.


Credit: Ken Rowles/Youtube

Some of the bombs were removed, but even now there's still over 1,400 tonnes of live ammunition on board.

A documentary regarding the ship and the dangers it possesses is currently in the process of being produced, named 'Is this a time bomb threatening London?'.

The producers are currently looking for financial backing to support the project and have even started a crowdfunding effort to raise the funds.

Ken Rowles is the director and it is being produced by a team in Kent.

The crowdfunding page reads: "Film and Television Director Ken Rowles and his production team based in Kent, near London, have made a feature documentary about the World War II American Liberty Ship, the SS RICHARD MONTGOMERY. The ship sank during the Second World War in the Thames Estuary between Kent and Essex, approximately 30 miles from London.

"The team have spent the past five years filming the story of 'The Wreck' with its 1,400 tonnes of unexploded ammunition still on board. Is this A TIME BOMB THREATENING LONDON?"

They've definitely gone for an incredibly intriguing title. I'm already gasping to watch it despite living over 200 miles away.

They continue: "Renowned actor Ian McShane tells the story of the American Liberty Ships and their construction in various shipyards across the USA. The production includes interviews with Merchant Marine veterans and keen volunteers on board the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, docked at Pier 45 Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco Bay. Broadcaster David Riley in London and Captain Patrick Maloney on board the O'Brien add to the story of the Liberty Ships, SS Richard Montgomery and the O'Brien. Local historians explore how the SS Richard Montgomery ran aground and eventually sank in the Thames Estuary.

"Now, over 70 years on, it is A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN! The Producers are now looking for crowd funding to complete and then promote the production throughout the world. This is your opportunity to help tell the history of the Liberty Ships and how the American marine veterans and ship builders helped win the WAR.

"We aim to have the film ready for worldwide distribution in October 2017."

Exciting stuff.


Featured Image Credit: Ken Rowles/Youtube

Topics: Bomb