The SS Richard Montgomery: Information and survey reports

This information is for anyone interested in the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery, and the continuing work by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to protect and survey her.

Future work

Following a recommendation from an Expert Advisory Group,Group’s recommendation, work to remove the SS Richard Montgomery’s (SSRM’s) three masts was announced in 2021. This will decrease any strain placed on the deck plating from their weight and eliminate the potential of a collapse into the cargo hold.

SomeEssential essential preparatory work iswas requiredundertaken beforein theautumn mast2022. cuttingThis canincluded behighly completeddetailed includingsurveys of the wider wreck site clearanceand seabed. These surveys identified several potential challenges to enablesuccessful completion of the project using the preferred methodology. As a result of this new information, it has been necessary equipmentto review the project to bedetermine safelyalternative placedsolutions aroundfor the wreck.safe Thisand workeffective willremoval beof undertakenthe bymasts.

The anDepartment expertfor contractor.Transport Itremains willcommitted beginto inthe Septemberremoval 2022of andthe lastSSRM’s untilmasts Novemberand 2022.is Subjectworking hard to successfulprogress completion,this weproject. anticipateThe thatwork thecompleted mastso removalfar workhas been extremely valuable in further enhancing our understanding and providing additional information which will beinform progressedthe duringfuture springmanagement 2023.

of the site. This work is being taken forward as part of the Department’sDepartment for Transport’s policy to continually reduce the risk posed by the SSRM and ensure the safety of the public.