Safety works on a sunken Second World War ship full of explosives is set to take place within the next 12 months.

The SS Richard Montgomery sank off the coast of Sheerness in August 1944 with 1,400 tons of explosives aboard.

Although the vessel has been sitting in the water for almost 80 years, there is still considered to be a risk that the bombs could detonate, causing a devastating tidal wave.

In recent years, signs of deterioration have been seen in its hull, which it is thought could increase the danger.

In 2021 it was decided that the ship’s three masts – which project above the water line – would be removed, as it is thought their weight is placing an additional strain on the cargo hold.

After years of delays the Department for Transport, which manages the shipwreck, says it is “revising” its initial timeline but the work is expected to be carried out within the next year.

A spokesman said the “aim is to remove the masts as soon as possible”, adding: “Our priority will always be to ensure the safety of the public and reduce any risk posed by the SS Richard Montgomery.

"We commissioned experts to carry out vital surveying work to the wreckage.

"Based on their findings, we are revising our initial timeframe and are updating our strategy to remove the ship's masts in the safest manner possible."

Preparation work started in autumn 2022 which included detailed surveys of the wider wreck site and seabed.

However, the removal of the masts could not go-ahead at that time, after a survey detected 18 "metallic objects" around the site in June last year. It is not known what these objects are.

It had already been delayed after bombs were found lying on the seabed in June 2022. These were removed that summer.

There is an exclusion zone around the immediate wreck site, marked by a ring of buoys, but yachts, jet-ski users and even paddle-boarders have been seen ignoring the exclusion zone and venturing dangerously close.

They risk not only a large fine if caught, but also potentially losing their lives should the wreck blow up.

The SS Richard Montgomery is named after an American hero of the War of Independence against Britain.

He had been killed while attacking British Quebec in 1775.

MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, Gordon Henderson, says he hopes the works take place “as soon as possible”.

He added: “Once the mast has been dismantled I have been assured that it will be made available to Swale Borough Council with a view to having it erected somewhere locally.

“Hopefully it would make another tourist attraction.”