The three masts of a World War Two wreck lie roughly 1.5 miles off the Kent coast in the Thames Estuary, visible above the water’s surface.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather emphasized the importance of preserving the site, noting it has been part of the local maritime heritage for decades and will continue to be for future generations.
After conservation work, teams plan to decide where the masts can best be displayed, allowing public access while maintaining safety.
Explosive ordnance specialist Robin Rickard outlined the removal method: a jackup barge will be positioned alongside the wreck, and a diamond wire saw will cut the masts for recovery.
The SS Richard Montgomery, which sank carrying unarmed munitions, is the vessel in question. The munitions were not armed or fused during transport, mitigating potential risk.
Removal is also driven by the risk of mast failure, which could threaten the nearby explosive cargo. The Department for Transport is taking steps to reduce that hazard.
Deputy chief executive Paul Barnard of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust highlighted the masts as a vital part of the ship’s story and plans to display them at the historic dockyard.
International coordination has been necessary, with counterparts in Washington involved in keeping the masts within the United Kingdom.
An exclusion zone will remain around the wreck until work is complete, although the structure itself remains stable.
Project manager Nolan Conway of Resolve Marine stressed a commitment to safety and efficiency, describing the effort as a milestone in managing one of the United Kingdom’s most closely monitored wreck sites.
