A US Navy letter from 1962 strangely & falsely claims dangerous shipwreck SS Richard Montgomery in the Thames 1.5 miles off Sheerness, Kent was salvaged & scrapped in 1948 as reported by Kent Online today (January 18).

Part of the letter, dated 12 March 1962, says: "The Liberty ship was built in 1943 by St. John's River Ship-building Company, Jacksonville, Florida for the Maritime Administration" and continues "On 20 August 1944 she went aground a the bottom of the Thames River anchorage. Since only her super-structure remained visible, she was declared a marine wreck. She was raised and scrapped in April 1948 and sold to Phillipp's Craft and Fisher Company on 28 April 1948."

Footage of 'ghost ship' SS Richard Montgomery seen through a spotting scope & telephoto lens in a light sea mist today.

The UK's Royal Navy will be overseeing the removal of the shipwreck's three masts this summer.