A SPECIALIST firm has been drafted in to help the Royal Navy examine the stability of a Second World War shipwreck carrying 1,400 tons of deadly explosives laying five miles off the Southend coast.

The Navy will support specialist firm Briggs Marine in initially dismantling masts which protrude above the 15metres of water in which the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery sits.

The ship sunk off the coast of Southend in 1944.

The team will also assess the stability of the ship’s deadly cargo, said to be capable of causing a 15ft tidal wave and major loss of life to those on the Southend and Kent coasts, according to a previous Ministry of Defence report.

The report also warned that the unexploded ordnance could cause damage to nearby oil and gas facilities in Sheerness and Canvey.

Bomb disposal experts trained in specialist underwater demolitions will remove the ship’s masts during a two-month operation.

If the wreck is found to pose a substantial risk it is likely further removal of the wreck will take place.

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Previous assessments have concluded there is no imminent danger of explosions and it was thought best to leave it untouched, but the need for continuing monitoring has prompted the new investigation, which is set to take place in June.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said there was currently no cause for alarm.

The spokeswoman said: “Our views on the risk have not changed in that we continue to monitor the wreck.

“The agency’s view is that the risks of explosion are thought to be small whilst the wreck is in a relatively stable condition.

“Whilst the risk of explosion is thought to be low, it is considered prudent to take sensible steps to mitigate the risk.

“As part of the ongoing assessment of the wreck and to manage the risk, a decision has been taken to reduce the masts.

“The Department for Transport is managing that project.”

Southend Council will assist Government departments involved in the scheme.

A spokesman said: “The council has and continues to work closely with the Royal Navy, the Department for Transport, the Ministry of Defence and partners in the Essex Resilience Forum regarding the planned works on the SS Montgomery shipwreck.

“Our role as the local authority is mainly around providing any necessary assistance to the lead agencies as and when they carry out any works on the shipwreck, although exact details are yet to be confirmed.”