A decades-long wait is finally over for the SS Richard Montgomery, a historic WWII shipwreck in the Thames Estuary. In early September 2026, specialist maritime engineers will begin removing the three masts from the American Liberty ship, which ran aground in 1944 while carrying munitions for the Allied war effort.
The intricate operation will involve constructing an underwater platform to facilitate the safe cutting of the masts over several weeks. Crucially, the SS Richard Montgomery still contains around 1,400 tonnes of wartime explosives, making public safety and site stability paramount. Every aspect of the project has been developed under stringent safety and engineering standards, with independent expert advice confirming the planned work can be carried out without increasing the risk posed by the remaining explosives.
Once removed, the masts will be transported to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a facility equipped for specialist restoration. Following preservation, they are intended for local display in Kent, creating opportunities for both residents and visitors to engage with the region's rich maritime heritage. This initiative is expected to generate thousands of pounds in regional tourism benefits, ensuring an important piece of Anglo-American maritime history is preserved for future generations.
The project, backed by £9.5 million in government funding, will see on-site preparations commence later this month to mitigate any risks ahead of the major engineering phase. The iconic shipwreck, located 1.5 miles off Sheerness and surrounded by an exclusion zone, has been under continuous monitoring and extensive technical assessment since its sinking.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather visited Sheerness and Chatham yesterday to review the plans and discuss the potential tourism advantages. Minister Mather emphasised that safety and preservation are the absolute priorities for this meticulously planned work, which has been informed by years of expert analysis. The operation will be delivered by specialist marine contractors Resolve under strict safety procedures and continuous oversight.