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Sunken Explosives Ship Masts to Be Dismantled
14 Jul
Summary
- Masts of SS Richard Montgomery, holding 1,400 tonnes of explosives, will be dismantled starting September.
- Reducing mast height below sea level aims to ease pressure on the wreck's structure.
- Dismantled masts will be preserved and displayed at Chatham's Historic Dockyard in Kent.
In September, efforts will commence to dismantle the masts of the SS Richard Montgomery, a ship resting in the Thames Estuary since its sinking in 1944. The vessel carries a dangerous cargo of 1,400 tonnes of wartime explosives.
Authorities plan to reduce the height of the ship's three masts to below sea level. This action is intended to alleviate structural pressure on the wreck, thereby minimizing the danger of falling debris impacting the volatile munitions below. The operation will utilize a jackup barge and diamond wire saws.
Following their removal, the masts will be transported to Chatham's Historic Dockyard in Kent. There, they will undergo preservation for public display, serving as a historical reminder of the Second World War. This initiative highlights Anglo-American cooperation, with the US Department of Transportation supporting the masts' retention in the UK.
An exclusion zone will be maintained around the wreck, which is considered stable. The project is managed by Resolve Marine, aiming for safe and efficient execution.
