Canadian Armed Forces divers are in Conception Bay this week to continue the removal of unexploded ordnance from the waters off Bell Island.
It’s been two years since the first round of ordnance was stripped from the wrecks of four iron ore carriers that were torpedoed by German U-Boats in WWII.
The vessels, which carried resources from the iron ore mines to mills in Nova Scotia, were equipped with weapons to defend themselves during the war. After their destruction in two separate attacks in 1942, much of their ordnance had rested undisturbed for almost 80 years.
Under the observation of Joint Task Force Atlantic, clearance divers began work on Wednesday to remove the explosives from depths ranging from 22 to 38 metres.
Crews from HMCS Moncton are supporting the operation at sea, while personnel from HMCS Cabot and 37 Combat Engineer Regiment are working ashore.
Due to the nature of the operation, all recreational vessels are asked to give at least one nautical mile of clearance from the area of operation.
Clearance Divers from Fleet Diving Unit (A) #FDUA and (P) #FDUP, with Combat Divers from 4 Engineer Support Regiment #4ESR, recover UXOs onboard HMCS Moncton, in support of UXO clearance operations on the Bell Island Wrecks. July 15. pic.twitter.com/iBnoP1N8LU
— JTFA | FOIA (@JTFA_FOIA) July 15, 2021