Divers are to inspect the wreck of Sheppey's bombship next month ahead of the removal of its masts in 2023.

The SS Richard Montgomery was loaded with explosives when it sank off Sheerness during the Second World War.

In 2021, the government announced its three masts – which are visible at low-tide – needed to be cut off to reduce the risk of the vessel collapsing in on itself.

Now the Department for Transport, which is responsible for managing the wreck, says divers need to carry out further checks – although it stopped short of confirming the teams would be clearing 66 explosives from the seabed.

In a letter to Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, Robert Courts, Minister for aviation, maritime and security, explained that teams would be in the area until November.

He wrote: "As an essential prerequisite to completion of the mast cutting operation, the site must be cleared of any potential obstructions.

"Following a further survey of the wreck site, we have identified several targets which merit further investigation.

"We are appointing a specialist contractor to undertake this work and expect a vessel and divers to be on site from September.

"Given the nature of this work, and the need for suitable weather and sea conditions to complete it, we anticipate there may be a presence on site until early November."

From Sunday, a three-month 'no fly zone' has been ordered over the bombship.

This means no drones, microlights or small plans will be allowed to fly over the wreck until November 15.

Mr Courts explained that removing the masts would "decrease the current strain caused by the weight of the masts on the deck plating and eliminate the potential for any future collapse into the cargo hold".

Contractors are to return during spring 2023 to complete the mast cutting.

Mr Courts added: "We are looking at options to ensure the removed masts will be preserved and available for the public to view."