Masts removed from bomb-laden WWII wreck in Thames estuary
Engineers successfully extract masts from sunken cargo ship carrying 1,400 tonnes of unexploded munitions without detonation.
At a glance
- Masts removed from SS Richard Montgomery without detonation
- Ship sank in 1944 carrying approximately 1,400 tonnes of munitions
- Wreck located in Thames estuary near Kent coast
- Site has been under constant guard for decades
Engineers have removed the masts from the SS Richard Montgomery, a US cargo vessel that sank in the Thames estuary in 1944 with approximately 1,400 tonnes of munitions still onboard. The operation was completed without triggering an explosion, according to government ministers.
The wreck has been under constant guard for decades due to concerns about the unexploded ordnance. The removal of the masts is described as making the site slightly safer.
Why it matters
The wreck poses a significant hazard to surrounding areas, with potential to devastate nearby coastal communities and affect London through tidal effects.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — WorldMasts removed from bomb-laden WWII ship in Thames in bid to avoid explosion
- The Guardian — BusinessMasts removed from bomb-laden WWII ship in Thames in bid to avoid explosion
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.