Current:Home > MyUnexploded bombs found in 1942 wrecks of U.S. Navy ships off coast of Canada-LoTradeCoin
Unexploded bombs found in 1942 wrecks of U.S. Navy ships off coast of Canada
View Date:2024-12-23 21:48:11
Divers discovered more than a dozen bombs and numerous artillery projectiles in the wrecks of two U.S. Navy ships off the coast of Canada, the Royal Canadian Navy said Thursday.
The USS Pollux and USS Truxtun ran aground during a storm off of St. Lawrence Harbor, Newfoundland on Feb. 18, 1942, according to U.S. military records. They sank and more than 200 people died, with around 180 people making it safely to land.
"Loaded with Second World War ordnance, these shipwrecks now rest beneath the waves along Newfoundland's coast," the Royal Canadian Navy said.
Divers from the Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal and the Port Inspection units recently surveyed the underwater debris of the wrecks, according to the Canadian force. The weapons they found have been left fragmented and weather beaten after decades of saltwater exposure and erosion.
"A comprehensive examination is ongoing to assess the presence and potential risk of explosive materials," the Royal Canadian Navy said. "Safety is our paramount concern - we spare no effort in our mission to safeguard the public."
The Navy said its focus is on working to "navigate through history to secure our present."
There have been fatalities and injuries related to unexploded ordnance, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Chemical exposures with related health impacts, come related to chemical warfare agents, have also been reported.
Munitions could be disposed of at sea until 1970, when the practice was prohibited by the Department of Defense. Congress passed the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act banning ocean disposal of munitions and other pollutants in 1972.
This week, the Department of Transportation warned people from interacting with certain shipwrecks in U.S. waters.
- In:
- U.S. Navy
Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBS News.
TwitterveryGood! (127)
Related
- GM recalling big pickups and SUVs because the rear wheels can lock up, increasing risk of a crash
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams accused of 1993 sexual assault in legal filing
- The US and the Philippines conduct joint air, sea patrols in South China Sea not far from Taiwan
- Retailers offer big deals for Black Friday but will shoppers spend?
- Fire crews on both US coasts battle wildfires, 1 dead; Veterans Day ceremony postponed
- 'It's personal': Chris Paul ejected by old nemesis Scott Foster in return to Phoenix
- Fiji’s leader says he hopes to work with China in upgrading his country’s shipyards and ports
- The Excerpt podcast: How to navigate politics around the dinner table this holiday
- Some women are stockpiling Plan B and abortion pills. Here's what experts have to say.
- Why Great British Bake Off's Prue Leith Keeps Her Holiday Meals Simple
Ranking
- Will Reeve, son of Christopher Reeve, gets engaged to girlfriend Amanda Dubin
- 'SNL' trio Please Don't Destroy on why 'Foggy Mountain' is the perfect Thanksgiving movie
- Search resumes for the missing after landslide leaves 3 dead in Alaska fishing community
- Body camera footage shows man shot by Tennessee officer charge forward with 2 knives
- The 10 Best Cashmere Sweaters and Tops That Feel Luxuriously Soft and Are *Most Importantly* Affordable
- Buffalo Sabres rookie Zach Benson scores first goal on highlight-reel, between-the-legs shot
- Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius up for parole Friday, 10 years after a killing that shocked the world
- Europe’s far-right populists buoyed by Wilders’ win in Netherlands, hoping the best is yet to come
Recommendation
-
Disease could kill most of the ‘ohi‘a forests on Hawaii’s Big Island within 20 years
-
One of the last tickets to 1934 Masters Tournament to be auctioned, asking six figures
-
Watch man travel 1200 miles to reunite with long-lost dog after months apart
-
Geno Smith injury updates: Seahawks optimistic on QB's chances to play vs. 49ers
-
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a stroke earlier this month, is expected to make full recovery
-
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Reveal Ridiculous Situation That Caused a Fight Early in Relationship
-
Family of American toddler held hostage says they are cautiously hopeful for her return amid deal with Hamas
-
An anti-European Union billboard campaign in Hungary turns up tensions with the Orbán government