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Masts of Richard Montgomery transported to Chatham
The UK government confirmed on October 19, 2026, that the three masts, that have been removed from the SS 'Richard Montgomery' in the Thames Estuary in 1944, have been transferred to the Historic Dockyard Chatham by the 'NP 562' for conservation. The wreck, located near Sheerness in Kent, still contained an estimated 1,400 tonnes of explosive. The removal project was completed ahead of schedule and below forecast costs of estimated at £9.5 million, although the department has not yet disclosed the final expenditure. The operation formed part of a long-term effort to manage the deteriorating vessel, whose masts had remained visible above the water for decades. Officials said removing the structures reduced the load on the aging wreck and lowered the risk of them falling onto the decks containing the remaining munitions. An expert advisory group had recommended removing the masts as part of the site's long-term management. Reports with photos: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/pictures-show-complex-operation-behind-masts-removal-from-b-346420/ https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/26649575.ss-richard-montgomery-mast-removal-project-completed/
Last mast removed from Richard Montgomery wreck
On Sep 30, the third mast from the historic wreck of the SS 'Richard Montgomery' was removed and lifted onto the 'NP 562' in the Thames Estuary, approximately 50 miles east of London. The wreck still contained approximately 1,400 tons of munitions and has been regularly surveyed by the UK authorities. It had also become a local tourist attraction as the mast tops rose above the water until now. Concerns were raised a few years ago that as the vessel was decaying, the masts were becoming unstable. Engineers warned that the masts would likely fall and could cause further damage. The Department of Transportation decided to proceed with the mast removal project, a unique and highly specialised marine engineering project that requires meticulous planning, rigorous risk management, and exceptional technical expertise. Working under strict safety and engineering protocols, Resolve Marine engineers and divers carefully cut and lifted the vessel's three steel masts. The operation has been developed following extensive technical assessments and independent expert review to ensure the continued stability of the wreck and the safety of personnel, local communities, and maritime traffic. The project supported the UK government's long-term strategy for managing the wreck site and preserve an important chapter of maritime history while maintaining public safety. The government has committed to placing the masts on display once they were safely removed from the wreck. Reports with photos and video: https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/26600813.southend-video-ss-richard-montgomery-last-mast-removed/ https://maritime-executive.com/article/photos-resolve-marine-removing-masts-off-historic-richard-montgomery-wreck
Second masts retrieved
Engineers cut the second of the three steel structures free from the SS 'Richard Montgomery' on Sep 24, having taken the first one down on Sep 20. The stricken vessel sat in waters off Sheerness since August 1944 after it hit a sandbank on its way to resupply troops in Normandy, following D-Day. The shipwreck, which contains 1,400 tonnes of munitions, has become part of the Sheppey story, with the masts clearly seen from the shoreline. But to take pressure off the deteriorating hull, the Department for Transport launched a £9.5 million project to cut off the three masts. Work started on Sep 15. A team of seven dive engineers - five of whom are former armed forces personnel, led by dive supervisor Jason Murphy - were cutting the 82ft-tall structures underneath the water. The masts were then being lifted onto a 65-metre-long Neptune crane barge 'NP 562', one of four ships involved in the operation. Once cut down, they will go to The Historic Chatham Dockyard for preservation and restoration. Report with photos: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/just-one-to-go-as-second-mast-removed-from-sunken-bomb-ship-345508/
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