Masts of WWII Munitions Shipwreck Removed and Sent to Chatham Dockyard

Key points

• The three masts of the SS Richard Montgomery were successfully removed between September 15 and September 30, 2026.
• The operation was carried out by Resolve Marine and cost £9.5m, coming in under budget and ahead of schedule.
• The masts have been delivered to the Historic Dockyard Chatham for conservation and eventual public display.
• The wreck still contains approximately 1,400 tonnes of unexploded ordnance and remains under a strict exclusion zone.
• Local MP Kevin McKenna is campaigning for at least one mast to be returned to Sheppey for display.

Background

The SS Richard Montgomery sank in August 1944 while carrying munitions for Allied troops in Europe. It has been a subject of concern for decades due to the risk of an explosion from its unexploded ordnance. The masts were a visible landmark for the local community of Sheppey.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and BBC report on the successful removal of the masts and their delivery to Chatham. The Guardian emphasizes the risk of an explosion and the potential for a small tsunami, while the BBC focuses on the completion of the project. Israel Defense provides a detailed account of the operation, highlighting the complexity and the expertise of the salvage firm. Kent Online provides a visual account of the operation and the local community's reaction, including the campaign by MP Kevin McKenna to return a mast to Sheppey.

Why it matters

The removal of the masts reduces the risk of an accidental explosion from the SS Richard Montgomery, which could have devastating consequences for the local community and the wider region. The project also highlights the ongoing challenges of managing the legacy of World War II and the importance of preserving historical artifacts.

What to watch

The masts will undergo conservation work at the Historic Dockyard Chatham before being put on public display. The final location for the masts has not yet been decided, and there is a campaign to return at least one mast to Sheppey. The wreck will continue to be monitored and controlled via an established exclusion zone.