The three masts from historic and notorious shipwreck SS Richard Montgomery nearly disappeared completely during a surge tide in the Thames Estuary off Sheerness, Kent this afternoon (February 4).

Southend-on-sea's tidal gauge recorded a maximum height of nearly 6.5 metres, which due to the storm surge was half a metre higher than the normally predicted tide.

This resulted in the sea level reaching the warning sign pinned to one of the wreck's masts - which warns seafarers of 'Danger Unexploded Ammunition' - because the ship sank with 1400 tonnes of explosives onboard in 1944.

The UK Gov plan to remove the shipwreck's masts completely this summer.

Footage also shows the historic Red Sands Forts on the horizon.