Safe removal of masts from historic Second World War shipwreck carrying wartime explosives begins
- Expert shipwreck team to salvage masts from sunken wartime ship, the SS Richard Montgomery.
- Work will begin in early September to carefully dismantle masts below sea level, maintaining public safety and ensuring the site remains stable.
- Iconic structures will to be displayed locally in Kent, as a symbol of the region’s heritage.
Work to remove the masts from the SS Richard Montgomery will begin in early September, marking a significant milestone in the long-term management of the historic wreck, the Government has confirmed today (14th July 2026).
The operation will involve constructing an underwater platform to allow specialist maritime engineers to cut the three masts over the course of several weeks.
The wreck contains around 1,400 tonnes of wartime explosives, which is why every aspect of the operation has been developed under rigorous safety and engineering standards.
Once removed, the masts will reside at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, preserving an important part of Kent’s maritime heritage, creating opportunities for local people and visitors to learn more about the Allied War effort, and delivering thousands of pounds in regional tourism benefits.
By placing the masts at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, an important piece of Anglo-American maritime history will be preserved for future generations – telling the infamous story of the American Liberty ship that ran aground in the Thames Estuary in 1944 while carrying munitions to support the Allied War effort.
The project is backed by £9.5 million Government funding, and on-site preparations will begin later this month to remove any risk ahead of the major engineering project.
The iconic shipwreck, which lies in the Thames Estuary 1.5 miles off Sheerness and is surrounded by an exclusion zone, has been subject to continuous monitoring and extensive technical assessment since it sank in 1944.
Independent expert advice has confirmed the planned operation can be carried out safely without increasing the risk posed by the explosives remaining onboard. Works are due to begin in September.
The Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather visited the site yesterday, taking a boat out to sea, to learn how the masts will be safely removed and discuss the tourism benefits of displaying the masts in Chatham.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather said:
“Safety and preservation of the masts are our absolute priorities. This carefully planned work has been informed by years of expert analysis and monitoring which will ensure the wreck continues to be managed safely, protecting local communities, maritime traffic and the wider environment.
“Keeping the masts in Kent will also preserve an important piece of the county’s maritime heritage, allowing future generations to learn more about the story of the vessel and the great sacrifices made by the Allied Forces during the Second World War.”
The operation will be delivered by specialist marine contractors Resolve, working to strict safety procedures and under continuous oversight.
Detailed planning has been undertaken with relevant authorities, including local emergency services, harbour authorities and other partners, to minimise disruption and ensure the work is carried out safely.
The existing exclusion zone around the wreck will remain following the mast removal, and work could be completed at the end of September. As with all major engineering projects, the removal of the masts is a complex process, and project deadlines may be extended if delays are caused by weather.
Nolan Conway, Project Manager, Resolve Marine, said:
“Resolve Marine is pleased to take part in this project and support the UK Government on the SS Richard Montgomery. Drawing on our extensive experience in complex marine operations, we are committed to executing this work safely, efficiently and in close collaboration with all stakeholders.
“This historic project represents a significant milestone in the ongoing management of one of the United Kingdom’s most closely monitored wreck sites.”
Paul Barnard, Deputy CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said:
“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.”
