What do you think of the wreck of Sheppey's bomb ship the SS Richard Montgomery?

Do you fear living in its shadow or forget it is there?

A researcher from the Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction at University College London wants to know as part of her studies into the munitions supply vessel which broke its back and sank off Sheerness on August 20, 1944, with all its bombs on board.

Ane Gundersen is writing a master's thesis on the shipwreck.

She said: "While researching, I found that the government has not included the thoughts and opinions of those living with the risk posed by the shipwreck. I am therefore asking residents of Sheerness and Sheppey to complete a 10-minute online survey.

"My hope is that the information will guide future decisions about what to do with it."

The SS Richard Montgomery was an American Liberty ship which was carrying a large cargo of explosives when it drifted onto a sand bank. It is estimated between 1,400 to 3,000 tonnes of munitions remain on board.

Miss Gundersen said: "While the likelihood of an explosion is debated, there is ample evidence suggesting that an explosion, due to a collision, malicious attack, or movements within the ship, would heavily impact Sheerness and its surroundings."

The wreck has been left for observation as the British government disagrees on further action although it is now planning to have the rusting masts removed.

Miss Gundersen added: "The data from the survey will be used in my dissertation which will include the risk posed by the ship's explosive cargo and how this should be dealt with."

She has suggested three options:

1. Leave well alone

2. Evacuate the whole of Sheerness for six months to remove the remaining bombs.

3. Remove the bombs but allow residents and businesses to remain, building a temporary 'blast wall' instead to protect the town.

She said: "I am also interested in knowing if the wreck being there impacts negatively on the wellbeing of the town? Or does it add to it by drawing in tourists?"

She is studying risk, disaster and resilience.

The survey is at https://is.gd/ssrichardmontgomery

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