Masts from Second World War shipwreck packed with explosives to be removed

Masts from the SS Richard Montgomery, a Second World War shipwreck lying in the Thames Estuary and loaded with 1,400 tonnes of wartime explosives, are set to be removed starting in September. The vessel sank in 1944 approximately 1.5 miles off the Kent coast and has remained a potential threat due to its unstable cargo. According to government officials, lowering the height of the three masts to below sea level is expected to reduce structural stress on the wreck, thus lessening the risk of heavy objects falling onto the explosives beneath. The removal process involves using a jackup barge, a floating platform with long legs firmly anchored to the seabed to prevent movement. Teams plan to position the barge alongside both the stern and forward sections of the wreck and employ a diamond wire saw to cut and retrieve the masts. Once extracted, the masts will be transported to Chatham’s Historic Dockyard in Kent for preservation and eventual public display. Maritime minister Keir Mather emphasized the historical significance of the masts, noting their presence in the area for decades and the importance of ensuring their continued visibility for future generations. He stated that after preservation, decisions regarding the masts' placement would be made to allow local communities access to them. Robin Rickard, offering strategic explosive ordnance advice to the Department for Transport (DfT), explained that the masts were carrying “safe-to-transport munitions” during their journey from the United States to Great Britain. These munitions were not armed or fused during transit, which explains why they have remained intact despite being submerged for over eight decades. However, concerns have arisen about the likelihood of the masts failing, prompting immediate action to mitigate the risk of a falling mast striking the explosives below. Paul Barnard, deputy chief executive at Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, highlighted the masts as a lasting symbol of the Second World War and the contributions of Allied forces and support vessels. He stressed the importance of preserving these elements of the ship's structure, which serve as a tangible link to the past. Efforts to keep the masts within the UK required coordination with U.S. authorities. The U.S. ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, expressed support for displaying the masts in the UK, stating that the U.S. Department of Transportation endorsed efforts to honor the memory of the ship and ensure the masts could be appreciated by British constituents. Despite the planned removal of the masts, an exclusion zone will remain around the wreck as long as necessary. Maritime minister Mather confirmed that while the wreck itself is currently stable, safety measures will continue to be maintained. Nolan Conway, project manager at Resolve Marine, which has been contracted to carry out the work, noted the complexity of the operation. His team aims to execute the task safely and efficiently, collaborating closely with all relevant stakeholders. This historic project marks a major step in managing the risks associated with the SS Richard Montgomery while preserving its legacy for public appreciation.