A GUIDEBOOK publisher has included the National Maritime Museum in a list of attractions worth seeing before they vanish.

The Greenwich museum features alongside world famous landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in India and Mexico's ancient city of Teotichuacàn in a list of 500 endangered attractions put together by Frommer's.

According to the guide, rising waters on the river Thames are threatening the site along with other London landmarks such as Battersea power station and the Tower of London.

Guide author, Holly Hughes, said: "Greenwich used to be the epicentre from which England once ruled the seven seas. But with all its historic sites clustered along the river, Greenwich is threatened by the fluctuations of the Thames."

But the museum's deputy director, Dr Margarette Lincoln, says the flood threat has been exaggerated.

She said: "It lies within the Environment Agencies flood risk zone one, the lowest risk category, so the museum and its world-class collection are not under threat and will be here for future generations.

"The museum is an enormous asset to Greenwich, and the new Sammy Ofer Wing, due to be completed in late 2011, will signal a dynamic new era for the museum."

A spokesman for Greenwich council agreed, saying: "A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Greenwich is recognised for such historic landmarks as the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark and London's oldest royal park.

"Millions of visitors come to visit and appreciate what we have to offer every year. These iconic places are well protected and will continue to be enjoyed for years to come."

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The following places were included in '500 Places to See Before They Disappear' - published by Frommer's:

- The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

- The Taj Mahal, India

- Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

- Teotichuacàn City, Mexico

- Bonaire National Park, The Maldives

- The Tower of London, London