Current:Home > BackUnexploded bombs found in 1942 wrecks of U.S. Navy ships off coast of Canada-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Unexploded bombs found in 1942 wrecks of U.S. Navy ships off coast of Canada
View Date:2024-12-23 20:42:25
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! (823)
Related
- Cavaliers' Darius Garland rediscovers joy for basketball under new coach
- Paris Olympics highlights: Team USA wins golds Sunday, USWNT beats Germany, medal count
- Mom sees son committing bestiality, sex acts with horse on camera; son charged: Authorities
- Scott Peterson Gives First Interview in 20 Years on Laci Peterson Murder in New Peacock Series
- Tom Brady Admits He Screwed Up as a Dad to Kids With Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bündchen
- 2 children dead and 11 people injured in stabbing rampage at a dance class in England, police say
- Olympic medals today: What is the medal count at 2024 Paris Games on Monday?
- Magnitude 4.5 earthquake hits Utah; no damage or injuries immediately reported
- Sydney Sweeney Slams Women Empowerment in the Industry as Being Fake
- Venezuela’s Maduro and opposition are locked in standoff as both claim victory in presidential vote
Ranking
- Arkansas governor unveils $102 million plan to update state employee pay plan
- The latest stop in Jimmer Fredette's crazy global hoops journey? Paris Olympics.
- In New York, a ballot referendum meant to protect abortion may not use the word ‘abortion’
- Feel like you have huge pores? Here's what experts say you can do about it.
- Jessica Simpson’s Sister Ashlee Simpson Addresses Eric Johnson Breakup Speculation
- Another Olympics celebrity fan? Jason Kelce pledges for Ilona Maher, US women's rugby
- At Paris Olympics, Team USA women are again leading medal charge
- Paris Olympic organizers cancel triathlon swim training for second day over dirty Seine
Recommendation
-
Travis Kelce's and Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Houses Burglarized
-
Paralympian Anastasia Pagonis’ Beauty & Self-Care Must-Haves, Plus a Travel-Size Essential She Swears By
-
American flags should be born in the USA now, too, Congress says
-
USA Women's Basketball vs. Japan live updates: Olympic highlights, score, results
-
Smithfield agrees to pay $2 million to resolve child labor allegations at Minnesota meat plant
-
14-year-old Mak Whitham debuts for NWSL team, tops Cavan Sullivan record for youngest pro
-
Park Fire is the largest of more than 100 fires currently ablaze across US
-
Horoscopes Today, July 28, 2024