GoKawiilUK removes masts from SS Richard Montgomery wreck, explosives left in place
Authorities have removed the protruding masts of the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II cargo ship that sank in the Thames Estuary while loaded with munitions. An estimated 13,700 explosive devices remain inside the wreck, which was not disturbed by the mast removal operation.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The masts had long served as a visible, above-water warning marking the hazardous site, so their removal changes how the wreck is monitored even though the underlying explosive risk is unchanged. Officials appear to be addressing structural deterioration of the masts without attempting the far riskier task of removing the munitions themselves, which could suggest the explosives are still considered too dangerous to move.
- The SS Richard Montgomery sank in the Thames Estuary during WWII carrying munitions.
- Roughly 13,700 explosive devices remain aboard the wreck.
- The ship's masts, long used as a visible marker, have now been removed.
Source: gizmodo.com, 2026-11-03
Published there as: “UK Finally Removes Masts From Sunken WWII Bomb Ship—and Leaves the Explosives”
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