A cargo ship carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate looms dangerously close to a wartime munitions site, posing potential catastrophic risks.
At a Glance
- The SS Richard Montgomery contains 1,400 tonnes of explosives near Kent.
- The Ruby cargo ship holds seven times more ammonium nitrate than that in the Beirut explosion.
- Authorities fear a possible explosion comparable to the Hiroshima atomic bomb.
- British officials are negotiating a port solution for the damaged Ruby.
Cluster of Explosives: SS Richard Montgomery
The SS Richard Montgomery, a WWII-era ship, harbors 1,400 tonnes of explosives. These munitions, including large bombs and cluster bombs, remain undisturbed near Kent. Since sinking on August 20, 1944, the wreck has posed significant risks, with its structural deterioration heightening fears of an accidental detonation.
Authorities have opted for non-intervention due to stability concerns. Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Alison Kentuck explains, “Expert advice has always been that the munitions are likely to be stable if left undisturbed.”
The Ruby: A Floating Time Bomb Near Norway’s Critical Infrastructure
The Ruby, a Malta-flagged Russian-linked cargo ship, currently floats off Norway's northeast coast, casting a long shadow over the region's security and environmental landscape. Laden with a staggering 20,000… pic.twitter.com/escPf70CXC
— Niels Groeneveld (@nigroeneveld) September 18, 2024
The Damaged Ruby Crowns Risks
The Ruby carries over 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, substantially more than in Beirut, and sits 30 miles from the SS Richard Montgomery. Categorized as “a floating bomb,” it faces scrutiny due to its potential destructive power likened to the Hiroshima atomic bomb.
“A potential explosion aboard a damaged Malta-flagged cargo ship carrying ammonium nitrate from Russia could cause a blast as powerful as the atomic bomb used by the U.S. in Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II,” an expert has noted.
The urgency heightens as British authorities work on locating a suitable port after several NATO state refusals.
Authorities Navigate the Threat
The issue requires careful handling to prevent any incidences like the Beirut explosion. Roland Alford stated, “It would be ‘by far the largest accidental explosion of ammonium nitrate were it to detonate.”
Continuous sonar surveys and Royal Navy’s involvement in a mast removal operation highlight the precarious circumstances. Specialists aim to prevent any catastrophic incidents arising from damage or neglect.
