UK To Remove Masts From WWII Shipwreck Carrying 1,400 Tonnes Of Wartime Explosives

The UK government has confirmed that work to remove the three masts from the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War Two shipwreck carrying around 1,400 tonnes of explosives, will begin in September.

The operation will take place in the Thames Estuary, near Sheerness, Kent, where the US Liberty ship has remained since it sank in 1944 while carrying munitions for the Allied war effort.

A specialist underwater platform will be built to allow marine engineers to safely cut and remove the three masts over several weeks.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said independent experts had confirmed that the work could be carried out without increasing the risk from the explosives still remaining onboard.

The £9.5 million project is part of the government’s long-term management plan for the wreck, which has been continuously monitored and technically assessed since it sank more than 80 years ago.

Preparations for the operation will begin later this month, with the main work expected to start in September.

Officials said the work could be completed by the end of September, although delays may occur due to weather conditions.

Safety Measures for Mast Removal

The SS Richard Montgomery remains inside an exclusion zone about 1.5 miles off Sheerness, which will continue after the mast removal operation.

Specialist marine contractor Resolve Marine will carry out the work under strict safety procedures and with continuous oversight.

The company will work alongside emergency services, harbour authorities and other relevant organisations to ensure the operation is completed safely.

The government said the removal plan has been developed after years of expert analysis and monitoring because of the explosives still stored inside the wreck.

History of the SS Richard Montgomery

The SS Richard Montgomery was a US Liberty ship built during World War Two to transport troops and supplies for the Allied forces.

In 1944, the vessel was carrying around 7,000 tonnes of munitions when it was directed to anchor off Sheerness. However, it grounded on a sandbank after the hull cracked and began flooding.

Much of the cargo was later removed, but around 1,400 tonnes of explosives remain inside the forward holds of the wreck.

The ship’s masts have remained visible above the water at all tides and have become a familiar sight for communities around the Thames and Medway estuaries.

Masts to Be Preserved at Chatham

After removal, the masts will be taken to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where they will undergo conservation using specialist restoration facilities.

The government said the preserved structures will eventually be displayed locally, giving visitors and residents an opportunity to learn more about the vessel’s history and its connection to the Allied war effort.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said safety and preservation were the main priorities of the project.

He said the work had been supported by years of technical assessments and monitoring to ensure the wreck continues to be managed safely while protecting local communities, maritime traffic and the environment.

Exord Ltd, which has advised the Department for Transport on explosive ordnance risks, said technical assessments, surveys and risk analysis had helped develop an approach for carrying out the work safely.

Robin Rickard, Managing Director of Exord Ltd and Strategic Explosive Ordnance Adviser, said the mast removal was an important stage in the long-term management of the wreck.

He added that the masts would be removed with minimal contact with the shipwreck and that the operation had been planned according to recognised industry practices.

Resolve Marine Project Manager Nolan Conway said the company would use its experience in complex marine operations to support the project and work closely with all stakeholders.

Paul Barnard, Deputy CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said the masts had become a familiar landmark for generations living around Medway and Swale.

He said the structures also represented an important reminder of the Allied war effort during World War Two.

The trust will conserve the masts and include them in a live conservation project where visitors can learn more about the SS Richard Montgomery.

The United States backed plans last month to keep the masts in the UK.

The government said discussions are ongoing about their permanent display location, with the aim of ensuring they remain accessible to the public while preserving their historical importance.

The exclusion zone around the SS Richard Montgomery will remain in place after the operation, and authorities will continue monitoring the wreck as part of the long-term safety programme.

References: UK Gov, BBC