New Scientist has welcomed authorities plans to tackle 'doomsday' shipwreck SS Richard Montgomery - which sank in 1944 just 1.5 miles north of Sheerness, Kent - in an article appearing on its website today (January 14).

The highly respected publication originally published an extensive investigation into the risks posed by the shipwreck back in August 2004.

The doomed US cargo ship sank with 1400 tonnes of explosives still onboard, and which remain on board to this day.

The UK's Royal Navy are now planning an operation to remove the masts this summer to reduce strain on the ageing vessel and reduce the risk of a catastrophic explosion.

Footage shows the masts of the ship visible above the water line at high-tide this morning (January 14), with DFDS freight ferry Maxine seen to close pass to the wreck in the nearby Medway Approach shipping channel.