Seawork Marine Services Completes High-Profile Diving Operation on Historic SS Richard Montgomery Wreck

A complex marine salvage operation, a historic World War II shipwreck and a successful outcome delivered through specialist diving expertise, meticulous planning and collaboration.

Seawork Marine Services has successfully completed its involvement in one of the UK’s most high-profile and tightly controlled marine salvage operations: the removal of three masts from the historic SS Richard Montgomery wreck in the Thames Estuary.

Working alongside Resolve Marine Group, Seawork provided specialist commercial diving support for the challenging three-week operation, which was completed ahead of schedule with zero incidents.

The project demonstrates the importance of experience, technical capability and rigorous risk management when operating in some of the most demanding marine environments.

The SS Richard Montgomery: A Wreck of Historical Significance

The SS Richard Montgomery was an American Liberty ship that sank in 1944 near Sheerness in the Thames Estuary during World War II.

More than 80 years later, the wreck remains one of the UK’s most closely monitored maritime sites, containing approximately 1,400 tons of munitions.

Its location, history and remaining cargo make any intervention particularly sensitive, requiring carefully controlled operations, specialist expertise and a thorough understanding of the risks involved.

The removal of the ship’s three masts, also known as derricks, formed part of a project designed to stabilise the wreck and address concerns associated with the deteriorating structures.

Seawork’s Role: Specialist Diving Support

Seawork Marine Services was selected to provide diving support for Resolve Marine Group, an internationally recognised specialist in complex marine salvage and emergency response operations.

The scale and sensitivity of the project required a highly experienced team, supported by specialist equipment and robust operational procedures.

Seawork mobilised:

• A seven-person dive team of experienced salvors.
• A containerised three-diver diving system.
• A decompression chamber.
• An additional container of specialist support equipment to provide operational resilience and contingency capability.

This mobilisation ensured the diving team had the personnel, systems and equipment necessary to support the operation safely and effectively.

Working in such a highly controlled environment demanded more than technical diving skills. It required continuous coordination, disciplined working practices and the ability to respond appropriately to the challenges of a complex marine salvage project.

Planning, Risk Management and Collaboration

The successful delivery of the operation was underpinned by detailed preparation and close collaboration between everyone involved.

Removing three substantial structures from a historic wreck containing munitions required careful consideration of the operational risks at every stage.

Seawork’s approach focused on applying its extensive marine diving and salvage experience alongside established safety procedures, effective communication and practical problem-solving.

The result was a three-week operation completed ahead of programme, with zero incidents.

This achievement reflects the standards Seawork Marine Services applies across its projects, regardless of their scale or complexity.

For Seawork, safety is not simply a requirement. It is fundamental to how every project is planned, managed and delivered.

A Project That Attracted Worldwide Attention

Given the history and significance of the SS Richard Montgomery, the operation attracted considerable international interest.

The project was followed through live webcam coverage, news reporting and media activity, while selected organisations were granted access to the worksite for interviews with key personnel.

The attention highlighted both the historical importance of the wreck and the technical challenges associated with carrying out marine operations in such a sensitive location.

Behind the headlines was a team of experienced marine professionals working together to deliver a carefully managed and successful outcome.

Preserving a Piece of Maritime History

The completion of the mast removal operation also marks an important moment in the preservation of the vessel’s history.

The three iconic masts have now been delivered to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where they will be preserved and placed on display.

Their preservation provides an opportunity for future generations to learn more about the ship, its wartime service and its enduring place in Britain’s maritime history.

For Seawork Marine Services, being involved in a project that combines complex engineering, marine safety and historical preservation represents a significant achievement.

Delivering Confidence in Challenging Marine Environments

The successful completion of the SS Richard Montgomery operation reinforces Seawork Marine Services’ capability to support complex, safety-critical projects.

From specialist diving operations and salvage support to underwater engineering and marine infrastructure work, the company brings experience, equipment and a practical, safety-led approach to every assignment.

Completing the project ahead of schedule, with zero incidents, is a testament to the professionalism of the team and the strength of the collaboration across the operation.

Seawork Marine Services is proud to have supported Resolve Marine Group on this internationally significant project and to have contributed to the successful preservation of an important part of maritime history.

To find out more about Seawork Marine Services and our specialist commercial diving and marine capabilities, contact our team to discuss your project requirements.