S.S. Richard Montgomery

In August 1944, the US Liberty ship arrived in the Thames after her Transatlantic voyage. She was bound for the Cherbourg to unload her cargo of ammunition, and upon her arrival was instructed by the Harbourmaster at HMS Leigh (Southend Pier) to anchor in the Great Nore. to await her onward convoy formation. 

On the 20th August, a strong northerly gale blew up, which started her anchor dragging. The vessels movement went unnoticed until she finally came to rest on the Sheerness middle sandbank. As the tide fell the ship’s hull started to crack and buckle under the weight of the cargo.

Taking on water, crews desperately tried to remove the cargo, but the ship started to show signs of breaking into two. By the 25th September 1944, all efforts to remove the remaining cargo were abandoned.  

For the past 76 years the SS. Richard Montgomery has remained under constant surveillance by the local port authority and Maritime Coastguard Agency, warning off any ships from colliding with the wreck and annual surveys are carried out around the ship’s hull to assess it structural integrity.

Its presence provides a local landmark and navigational reference for shipping and enthusiasts alike. Clearly marked out with an exclusion zone the ship’s masts remain visible above the water at all states of tide. 

In 2021 it is expected that work to remove the masts will commence. This important work will ensure at further deterioration of the wreck is controlled and any collapse of the aging wreck is reduced. Soon the S.S. Richard Montgomery will sit firmly below the surface and only a ring of red and yellow buoys will mark her watery grave.

Tours around the Wreck

Our vessel Jacob Marley, departs Southend and Queenborough Harbour and take various trips around the Thames and Medway Esturay. If you wish to veiw the wreck the tours below may be booked.