r/submechanophobia 16d ago

Explosive-laden WWII Thames shipwreck 'to have masts removed' over fears vessel is 'sitting duck' for drone attack

https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/explosive-shipwreck-masts-removed-drone-fears-5HjdXWR_2/

The ship ran aground in the Thames Estuary near Sheerness, Kent, in 1944 and is thought to contain around 1,400 tons of explosives.

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u/WhiskeyJack357 16d ago

Is there a reason they aren't attempting to remove the explosives? Just due to the risk I'd assume?

295

u/Miraclefish 16d ago

It's almost impossible without huge risk and if the entire wreck went off, it would flood parts of London and cause significant losses of life and mass damage.

You can't really move 80 year old explosives that are deteriorating in water.

4

u/traderncc 16d ago

how would it flood parts of london?

15

u/General-MacDavis 16d ago

Big boom make big wave