A boat was seen drifting 'dangerously close' to an explosive filled shipwreck in the Thames Estuary - sparking action from Southend's coastguard. 

Cargo ship SS Richard Montgomery - packed with 1,400 tonnes of explosives - was anchored in Sheerness, Kent, when it grounded and broke up in 1944.

The wreck and its cargo is monitored round the clock by port authorities and protected by a 500-metre exclusion zone.

Yesterday, a ship with three people on board, was seen drifting dangerously close to the shipwreck. 

The RNLI team from Sheerness initially attended and guided the ship back to Southend Pier, where it was then picked up by the RNLI Southend Lifeboat and taken back to Chalkwell, where it is usually anchored. 

A spokesman for the coastguard said: "Post return from the ordnance incident, HM Coastguard Southend were alerted to a vessel which was known to Southend Coastguard, normally anchored off Chalkwell, seen drifting dangerously close to the SS Montgomery wreck on Kent side of the Thames Estuary.

"Dover GCOC tasked the RNLI Sheerness lifeboat to launch their Trent class lifeboat to intercept the vessel which had a reported 3 persons on board. 

"Once intercepted and, under tow by the Trent Class lifeboat, it was taken to the end of Southend Pier and transferred to RNLI Southend Lifeboat who launched their Atlantic Class lifeboat to take it onward to Chalkwell on Essex side where it was put to anchor and the 3 casualties transferred to shore to be met by the Southend Coastguard team.

"Southend Coastguard then proceeded to check firstly that the 3 casualties were not in need of any medical assistance and to ascertain the reasons for their journey (reported fishing trip from night before) and provide some safety advice.

"Essex Police - Southend District were also in attendance to provide additional support and checks over the casualties and vessel."