1,400 Tons of WWII Explosives: Why the UK Is Cutting a Ship’s Masts Now
A £9.5m operation begins to remove the three remaining masts from the SS Richard Montgomery.
Specialist engineers have started removing the three remaining masts from the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II shipwreck lying in the Thames Estuary with around 1,400 tonnes of munitions still on board. The operation, led by Resolve Marine, aims to reduce risks posed by the deteriorating structure to maritime traffic and coastal communities.
The wreck, located roughly 80 kilometers east of London, sank in 1944 while transporting explosives for Allied forces. Initial salvage attempts were abandoned after the hull fractured, leaving the vessel partially submerged. Annual surveys and technical assessments over the past six years informed the current project, which was commissioned by the UK Department for Transport in April 2026.
Decades of Planning Precede the Operation: ss richard montgomery
Resolve Marine, chosen for its experience in complex marine salvage, has deployed a team of divers and engineers to cut and lift the steel masts under strict safety protocols. The work follows independent expert reviews to ensure the wreck’s stability and minimize risks to personnel and the surrounding area.
Sam Adams, Resolve Marine’s Director of Projects, described the operation as a “unique and highly specialized marine engineering project”, emphasizing the need for “meticulous planning and rigorous risk management”. The company has collaborated closely with UK authorities to prioritize safety while preserving the site’s historical significance.
Balancing History and Public Safety
UK Maritime Minister Keir Mather called the wreck “one of the most extraordinary in the world”, noting its role in wartime history. The mast removal marks a key step in the government’s long-term strategy to manage the site, which includes a legally enforced exclusion zone to prevent vessels from approaching.
The project is expected to take several weeks. Once completed, authorities will continue monitoring the wreck to mitigate risks from its remaining munitions. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency will maintain the exclusion zone, with updates provided through official channels as work progresses.
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