Why the Richard Montgomery wreck remains undisturbed

Why not remove the dangerous Richard Montgomery wreck?

Because disturbing its explosives could be more dangerous than leaving the monitored wreck to deteriorate naturally.

The Richard Montgomery wreck is a navigation hazard, but intervention could trigger the very explosion authorities seek to prevent. Continued monitoring and gradual decay are presented as the lower-risk option. A failed removal effort could turn a persistent danger into an immediate blast and flooding threat for nearby communities. Official intervention would also make the consequences of an accident a direct result of the attempted remedy. Leaving the wreck in place is therefore described as active risk management rather than simple neglect.