Safe removal of masts from historic WWII shipwreck carrying wartime explosives begins

Safe removal of masts from historic WWII shipwreck carrying wartime explosives begins
The operation involves constructing an underwater platform to allow specialist maritime engineers to safely cut the 3 masts of the shipwreck.
- 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 to be displayed locally in Kent, as a symbol of the region’s rich maritime 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 (14 July 2026).
The operation will involve constructing an underwater platform to allow specialist maritime engineers to cut the 3 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 be sent to The Historic Dockyard Chatham – which is home to specialist restoration facilities – where they can be properly preserved.
They will then go on to be displayed somewhere locally, creating opportunities for local people and visitors to learn more about Kent’s maritime heritage and delivering thousands of pounds in regional tourism benefits.
This means 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 both Sheerness and Chatham yesterday to learn how the masts will be safely removed and restored and discuss the tourism benefits of displaying them locally.
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 by 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.
The government is clear that the masts – which have been visible to local communities for 82 years – are incredibly important to the people of the Thames and Medway estuaries, like those on the Isle of Sheppey and in Southend, who recognise them as part of the area’s shared national maritime heritage. That is why the government will ensure the masts remain accessible to the public for generations to come.
Discussions about their long-term home are ongoing, as they need to be safely preserved and protected in a way that fully acknowledges their connection to the rich history of these vital waterways.
Project Manager at Resolve Marine, Nolan Conway, 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.
Deputy CEO of Chatham Historical Dockyard Trust, Paul Barnard, 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.
Managing Director of Exord Ltd and Strategic Explosive Ordnance Advisor, Robin Rickard, said:
Exord has been supporting the Department for Transport over the past 12 months as its specialist explosives ordnance adviser for the SS Richard Montgomery programme.
Through extensive technical assessment, survey work and risk analysis, we have helped develop an approach that enables these important works to be undertaken safely and in line with recognised industry best practice.
The removal of the masts represents a significant milestone in the long term management of the wreck. We will continue to provide specialist support throughout the operation to ensure risks from explosive ordnance are managed appropriately and the works can be delivered safely.
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