WWII Shipwreck Threatens London With Tsunami

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19 Aug 2024

An expert has urged the government to deal with the wreck of SS Richard Montgomery that sank during the Second World War


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The shipwreck contains approximately 1,400 tonnes of unexploded munitions, making it highly dangerous


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If the munitions detonate, it could generate a tsunami up to 5 metres high, potentially impacting parts of London


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Professor David Alexander of University College London said he isn't convinced that the wreck is safe


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"The biggest risk is shipping runs into it," he was quoted as saying by Daily Express


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The professor cited the 1980 example of the Mare Altum, which was diverted with only minutes to spare


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Concerns arose after a 1970 report from the Royal Military College of Science predicted the outcome of a detonation


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A worst-case scenario explosion could create a massive column of water and debris reaching 3,000 metres high


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Experts believe the deterioration of the ship's structure could trigger an explosion if not managed


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SS Richard Montgomery was sent from the US in 1944 carrying 7,000 tonnes of explosives but sank due to a gale


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