Mast removal begins on sunken WWII ‘bomb ship’ in Thames
The SS Richard Montgomery has remained in the Thames Estuary since 1944 Work has begun to remove the masts from the SS Richard Montgomery, a Second World War wreck that has remained in the Thames Estuary since 1944 with an estimated 1,400 tonnes of unexploded munitions on board.
The wreck lies around 1.5 miles off Sheerness within an exclusion zone and has been monitored since it sank in 1944. Independent technical advice has concluded that the mast removal can be carried out without increasing the risk posed by the explosives that remain onboard.
Marine engineers and divers will spend the coming weeks cutting and lifting the masts under strict safety controls. The existing exclusion zone around the wreck will remain in place during the operation and continue to be monitored.
Once removed, the masts will be transported to The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Specialist heritage experts will store, assess and conserve them before they are put on local display.
The American Liberty ship ran aground in the Thames Estuary in 1944 while carrying munitions to support the Allied war effort. Its merchant sailors helped transport supplies during the conflict.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather says: “The SS Richard Montgomery is one of the most extraordinary wrecks in the world – a piece of wartime history that has rested in the Thames Estuary for over 80 years.
“Beginning the careful removal of its masts is a hugely significant moment, and every step of this operation has been shaped by rigorous safety and engineering expertise because protecting the public will always come first.
“Preserving this remarkable part of Anglo-American history also means future generations can learn about the extraordinary risks faced by the merchant sailors during the Allied war effort.”
The project is supported by £9.5m in government funding. In 2020, it was reported in local news outlets that the Ministry of Defence had offered to pay £5m ‘danger money’ to any company prepared to hack off the rusting masts.
The work will be carried out by specialist marine contractor Resolve under continuous oversight.
Naval architect and project manager at Resolve Marine, Nolan Conway, adds: “After extensive planning and preparation, we are pleased to move the project into its operational phase. Resolve Marine is focused on carrying out this work safely and working closely with our partners to successfully remove the masts.”
The exclusion zone around the wreck will remain in place after the masts have been removed. Subject to weather conditions, the work is expected to finish by the end of September, although the schedule could change if conditions delay the operation.
Image left: Divers climb aboard the SS Richard Montgomery during a 1981 survey.
Paul Barnard, deputy CEO of Chatham Historical Dockyard Trust, says: “The masts of the SS Richard Montgomery have become a familiar landmark for generations of people living around Medway and Swale. Yet their significance extends far beyond the Thames Estuary. They are an internationally important reminder of the Allied war effort during the Second World War.
“As they begin the next chapter of their story, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is honoured the government has entrusted us with their conservation. With decades of experience preserving maritime heritage, we will ensure these remarkable structures are cared for to the highest standards.
“The masts will become part of a live conservation project at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, giving visitors a rare opportunity to watch specialist conservation in action while learning more about the extraordinary story of the SS Richard Montgomery.”
My grandfather Capt James Edwards raised the Montgomery around 1960. I have the report in my loft! He was instructed to sink it again once it had been assessed.