The Isle of Sheppey sea waters is the watery grave of the SS Richard Montgomery. Its presence provides a local landmark and navigational reference for shipping and enthusiasts alike as the ship’s masts remain visible above the water at all states of the tide. Jetstream Tours offer trips to the wreck.
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, till she could move on with her journey. According to the Jetstream Tours, on the 20th of August, a strong northerly gale dragged her anchor until she finally came to rest on the Sheerness middle sandbank. That is where she still resides, as in those initial hours when the tide fell the ship’s hull started to crack and buckle under the weight of the cargo. Despite attempts to remove the cargo, by 25th September the shop and its contents were abandoned.
Its presence provides a local landmark and navigational reference for shipping and enthusiasts alike and the ship’s masts remain visible above the water at all states of the tide.

Picture Credit: © Jetstream Tours.