UK Begins Removing Masts from WWII Shipwreck SS Richard Montgomery

Resolve Marine has begun work on the mast removal of the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II Liberty ship that sank in 1944 with approximately 1,400 tons of munitions still aboard. Situated in the Thames Estuary, the vessel's three remaining masts will be carefully cut and lifted by Resolve Marine engineers and divers as part of an operation aimed at reducing strain on the wreck’s aging deck structure.

Background and Wreck Details

The SS Richard Montgomery was built in 1943 and was carrying about 7,000 tons of munitions when it dragged its anchor during a storm and grounded on a sandbank near Sheerness, Kent. The following day, the vessel's hull cracked, and flooding began. Despite salvage operations that removed half the cargo, the wreck eventually broke apart completely, leaving roughly 1,400 tons of unexploded munitions in the forward holds (Marine Insight).

Resolve Marine was appointed by the UK Department for Transport in April 2026 to undertake this operation after six years of planning that included annual surveys of the wreck site. The company's engineers have been developing a method informed by technical evaluations and an independent review, ensuring both the safety of personnel and public safety (gCaptain).

Operation Details and Safety Considerations

The mast removal operation involves cutting and lifting the three steel masts that still rise above the water near Sheerness. According to Marine Link, the project supports the UK government's long-term strategy for managing this site while preserving an important chapter of maritime history. The operation is being conducted from a specially constructed underwater platform, ensuring precise control over each cut (The Maritime Executive).

“This operation represents a significant milestone in our efforts to manage one of the UK’s most closely monitored shipwreck sites,” stated a spokesperson for the Department for Transport. “The work will not only reduce strain on the wreck but also prevent potential collapse, ensuring the continued safety and stability of the site” (Resolve Marine).

Historical Significance and Public Display Plans

The SS Richard Montgomery was a Liberty ship built during World War II to support Allied forces in Europe. Its hull contained approximately 1,400 tons of munitions when it sank. While the wreck itself is protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, the masts will be removed for conservation and public display at the Historic Dockyard Chatham (Baird Maritime).

“The masts will undergo careful preservation before being made available for local public display. This ensures that they remain accessible to future generations while maintaining the site's safety,” explained Resolve Marine in their press release.

What this means for operators

The successful removal of the masts from the SS Richard Montgomery wreck is crucial not only for historical preservation and safety but also for ongoing maritime operations in the Thames Estuary. Vessels navigating through the area can expect more predictable conditions, reducing risks associated with potential hazards posed by the wreck. Ship operators should be aware of the temporary changes to navigation channels and enhanced surveillance measures that may be implemented during this project.

“With the removal of these masts, shipowners and operators in the region will see improved navigational safety,” noted a marine expert from Resolve Marine. “The operation demonstrates how careful planning and expert engineering can address long-standing maritime challenges while maintaining public safety.”