Wreck 'may cause mass explosion'

The wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery is visible at low tide

The wreck of a warship lying off the Kent coast could cause a huge explosion within 10 years if no government action is taken, a report reveals.

The American cargo ship SS Richard Montgomery was carrying 1,400 tonnes of explosives when it grounded and broke in two, 2km off Sheerness, in 1944.

The report says if the wreck exploded it would cause a metre-high tidal wave.

Local MP Derek Wyatt is to ask people living nearby whether they want the wreck detonated, removed or left alone.

'Communities swamped'

If it explodes it would be a "significant event" causing injuries and £1bn worth of damage, according to the report.

The report, which was handed to MPs this week, said in 10 years time munitions "will be disturbed...which could pose a risk to the public."

If the ship were to explode it would cause damage to property, together with injuries from flying glass and hearing damage, the report said.

"In addition, the explosion would generate a tidal wave up to a height of one metre which could possibly swamp local coastal communities in exceptional tidal conditions."

Experts from marine consultants BMT Reliability carried out the latest report into the wreck's condition.

Their scrutiny followed on from an examination three years ago which backed containment as the best way of dealing with the wreck.

However, a Department of Transport spokesman said the government felt not all options had been examined in equal depth and asked for the new report.

MPs were shown a revised version on Wednesday and are due to make a decision in the summer.

Mr Wyatt, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, said: "There's no danger to the public currently, but ultimately there will have to be a resolution.

"What isn't tenable is to leave it for 10 more years or 20 more years."

The wreck lies in 15m of water off the mouth of the River Medway.

It would mean creating a barrier around the wreck and covering it with clay and concrete which could cost up to £4m.