Petition says WW2 salvaged masts should stay local

The masts of an explosives-filled World War Two ship should be preserved after they are salvaged, according to a new petition.

The SS Richard Montgomery's masts have been visible from Kent and Essex since the US military vessel was wrecked in the Thames Estuary in 1944.

A petition is calling for the masts to be displayed locally after the UK government confirmed they would be removed for safety reasons related to explosives that remain within the wreck.

The US government, which owns the wreck, was contacted for comment, while the Department for Transport (DfT) said it was "too early" to say what will happen to the masts.

The Liberty class cargo ship, built in 1943, ran aground and broke apart in 1944. It now lies about 1.5 miles (2.4km) off the coast of Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey.

Efforts to salvage the vessel and the 1,400 tonnes of explosives it had been transporting were abandoned when it completely flooded just over a month after becoming stuck.

The masts became a popular draw for tourists.

Government efforts to remove them in case the wreckage fell onto and detonated the cargo were first revealed in 2020 but have been beset by delays.

The risk of a major explosion is believed to be remote.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna, who started the petition, said the masts were "an important part of our maritime history".

"Preserving one in Sheppey and one in Southend would create accessible heritage displays while supporting tourism and community engagement in both areas," he said.

The MP added he "fully supports safe removal and transfer work" and keeping the masts in the local area "ensures this historic landmark is not lost".

A DfT spokesperson said: "We have now appointed a leading salvage company to undertake the mast removal project for the SS Richard Montgomery.

"Due to the age and condition of the masts, it's too early to say what will happen to them once recovered.

"We are exploring options with the US Government, which owns the shipwreck, and local authorities."

They added that the DfT's priority "will always be the safety of the public".

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