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USS Pollux commissioned in 1941 (U.S. Naval Historical Center photo)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Built in 1919, USS Truxtun was on convoy duty between Canada and Iceland in 1941 and 1942 (U.S. Naval Historical Center photo)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The USS Pollux<\/em> was a 7,350 dwt small cargo ship measuring 459 feet in length and with a crew of 199 that the U.S. Navy had taken over while under construction and commissioned to transport war supplies. Placed in service in 1941, the vessel was assigned to a convoy that was assembling off the coast of Newfound in February 1942. Among the other ships was a destroyer, the USS Wilkes<\/em>, and another 1919-vintage destroyer, the USS Truxtun<\/em>, that were providing convoy escorts. The USS Truxtun <\/em>(1,215 dwt) measured 315 feet and had a complement of 122, and had for months been running convoys back and forth between Canada and Iceland.<\/p>\n The vessels were in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, when on the night of February 18, 1942, what has been described as a “howling Atlantic gale" overtook the area. Shortly after 4:00 a.m., the Pollux <\/em>grounded at Chambers Cove and despite the efforts of her commander, the vessel began going down and ultimately broke up on the rocks. A similar fate struck the USS Truxtun <\/em>which broke apart on the rocks that night. Residents of the area rushed to the scene attempting to help but 93 from the Pollux <\/em>died in the icy Atlantic waters and fierce storm while 110 were lost from the Truxtun<\/em>. The Wilkes <\/em>also was damaged, but was able to free herself and survived the storm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n “A comprehensive examination is ongoing to assess the presence and potential risk of explosive materials. Safety is our paramount concern – we spare no effort in our mission to safeguard the public,” writes the RCN reporting on the results of their mission.<\/p>\n They said the passage of time, and the relentless corrosion from decades of saltwater exposure has left the bombs and projectiles “fragmented and weather-beaten.”<\/p>\n The Royal Canadian Navy will be continuing to survey wreck sites and said there will be further updates as “we navigate through history to secure our present.”<\/p>\n Disposal of ordinance and munitions at sea was prohibited 50 years ago. However, divers continue to find various examples on the sea floor. Just this week, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy confirmed to WPBF News in Fort Pierce, Florida that the Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Dive Team had taken the lead in the disposal of a WWII-era mortar discovered about 75 feet offshore in about nine feet of water. A diver reported finding the shell to the U.S. Coast Guard while in the water off a popular local beach.![\"\"](\"\/media\/images\/article\/Photos\/Historical\/Truxtun.jpg\")
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