Details

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 an Expert Advisory Group’s recommendation, work to remove the SS Richard Montgomery’s (SSRM’s) 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.

Essential preparatory work was undertaken in autumn 2022. This included highly detailed surveys of the wider wreck site and seabed. These surveys identified several potential challenges to successful completion of the project using the preferred methodology. As a result of this new information, it has been necessary to review the project to determine alternative solutions for the safe and effective removal of the masts.

The Department for Transport remains committed to the removal of the SSRM’s masts and is working hard to progress this project. The work completed so far has been extremely valuable in further enhancing our understanding and providing additional information which will inform the future management of the site. This work is being taken forward as part of the Department for Transport’s policy to continually reduce the risk posed by the SSRM and ensure the safety of the public.