Today marks the anniversary of one of the US Navy’s worst disasters and an occasion when the extraordinary heroism of everyday Newfoundlanders helped to prevent further loss of life.
The American naval destroyer the USS Truxtun and the supply ship USS Pollux ran aground on the rocks near Chamber’s Cove and Lawn Head at the tip of the Burin Peninsula during a winter storm on February 18, 1942.
(Photo Courtesy of Chris Power)
The miners of St. Lawrence were notified of the disaster by a sailor who had managed to climb the cliffs and followed the light to the mine site.
The miners immediately jumped into action, summoning family and friends, and gathering rope and blankets to rappel over the cliffs and carry the surviving sailors to safety.
Two-hundred and three lives were lost in the disaster, but 186 oil-soaked sailors were saved by the brave actions of the people of St. Lawrence and Lawn.
The tragedy and the heroism of local residents are remembered every year at a memorial overlooking the site.
