Engineers have successfully removed the masts from the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II cargo ship sunk in the Thames Estuary, officials announced. The vessel, which went down in 1944 carrying approximately 1,400 tonnes of unexploded munitions, has long been considered a potential hazard due to concerns that an accidental explosion could cause extensive damage to nearby communities.

The SS Richard Montgomery lies near Sheerness, with the ship’s masts historically protruding above the waterline. These structures were believed to exert significant pressure on the wreck, raising fears that their collapse might trigger an explosion. The removal project aimed to reduce this risk and enhance the long-term safety of the site.

Keir Mather, the maritime minister, informed Parliament that the complex operation had been completed ahead of schedule and under budget, with costs forecasted at £9.5 million. He described the effort as requiring “specialist programme, engineering and risk management expertise.” The masts were transferred to the Historic Dockyard Chatham maritime museum, preserving their historic importance as part of the Allied war effort.

The exact contents of the ship’s holds remain uncertain, but previous assessments by defense agencies estimate nearly 300 heavyweight 2,000-pound blockbuster bombs and more than 2,000 cluster bombs remain aboard the wreck. While some experts have debated the possible consequences of a deflagration after more than eight decades underwater, official reports have acknowledged the potential for significant local damage. Estimates have included the threat of a tidal wave capable of impacting London and projections of debris being hurled up to three kilometers into the air, which could devastate Sheerness and endanger surrounding areas.

Authorities have maintained an exclusion zone around the wreck to prevent shipping from approaching too closely, and a no-fly zone has been in place since 2025. Despite the relatively low probability of an accidental explosion, local residents have expressed ongoing concern—prompted in part by incidents such as cargo vessels encroaching on the area and social media posts by individuals posing on the visible masts.

The removal of the masts marks a significant milestone in the management of the SS Richard Montgomery site, reducing one of the structural risks while leaving the substantial munition load undisturbed for continued monitoring and risk mitigation.