Urgent warning to Londoners as 'doomsday wreck' carrying 1,400 tonnes of explosives could trigger tsunami on capital

Londoners might be in danger after a 'doomsday wreck' carrying 1,400 tonnes of explosives could cause a tsunami on the capital.

A World War II ship - with enough explosives to unleash a giant tidal wave under the sea - has been sunk in the River Thames Estuary since August 1944.

The SS Richard Montgomery was a US Liberty ship carrying a cargo of munitions while on route to Cherbourg, France, during the Second World War when it was grounded in shallow water.

The 'doomsday wreck' is filled with tons of WW2 explosives. (Andrea Pucci/Getty Stock Images)

Despite attempts to save the cargo, it broke in half, flooded and sank to the bottom.

Since then, the wreck lies 1.5 miles from the town of Sheerness and five miles from Southend.

Now, amid efforts to mitigate the potential threat of the explosives going off, it seems that the ship is collapsing faster than previously thought.

A survey from 2023 shows new 'concerning' evidence of decay to the body of the SS and the amount of explosives on the ship has given it the monicker 'doomsday wreck'.

One of the main issues comes from 'the deck space near hold three appears to have started to collapse on the port side. This appears to be recent'.

Notably, the 'whole forward section of the wreck appears to have an increase in lean' of 10 to 15cm.

The explosives on board could cause a tsunami on the capital. (Maritime Coastguard Agency)

This increase is 'a potential concern' about the wreckage 'being undercut as supporting sediment is eroded away'.

Professor David Alexander, an expert in risk and disaster reduction at University College London, outlined the frightening worst case scenario if the bombs were to detonate.

He told the BBC: "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.

"And 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 said damage could be on the scale of 'a minor tsunami'.

In a statement, the Department for Transport said that their aim was to 'ensure the safety of the public and reduce any risk posed by the SS Richard Montgomery'.

It added: "Experts have carried out vital surveying work to the wreckage and, based on their findings, we are revising our initial timeframe for removing the masts in the safest manner possible."

The ship broke in half and sank during WWII. (Maritime Coastguard Agency)

Rich Lehmann, who chairs the environment committee at Swale Borough Council, said: "The deterioration of the wreck is concerning, and the council are monitoring the situation closely.

"Officers are in dialogue with the Department for Transport, who manage the wreck, and other relevant agencies to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to mitigate any potential risks.

"The safety of our community and the protection of our marine environment remain our top priorities."

He continued: "The SS Richard Montgomery is an integral part of Sheerness's history and holds a special place in the hearts of our residents.

"Any masts or artifacts removed from the wreck should rightfully be brought to Sheppey, and specifically to Sheerness, to preserve this significant chapter of our island's history.

"The wreck is not only a historical landmark but also a beloved symbol of our community's resilience and heritage."