Today marks a significant date in history on the Burin Peninsula, and one of the largest naval disasters in US history.
On February 18, 1942 two American warships, zigzagging their way to Argentia along the south coast of the island, ran aground on the rocks at Chambers Cove and Lawn Point. The USS Truxton and USS Pollux were part of a convoy bringing new recruits to the naval base.
Pounding surf and hurricane force winds, caused the ships to break apart on the rocks, claiming the lives of 203 men.
Despite extraordinary conditions, the residents of Lawn and St. Lawrence came together to rescue 186 oil soaked men.
Carl Slaney of the St. Lawrence Historical Advisory Committee says not only did rescuers have to contend with freezing temperatures, crashing waves, hurricane-force winds and near zero-visibility, but they were also challenged by crude oil that had spilled from the wrecks.
Oil covered the cliffs, and ropes making everything slippery. Even on the beach, rescuers had to dig trenches through the sludge in order to get to the ocean’s edge and rescue surviving sailors.
A funeral procession for victims of the wreck walks through St. Lawrence.
An ecumenical service is scheduled for this afternoon at 4:00 from St. Matthews Anglican Church in St. Lawrence, while a memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Holy Name of Mary Academy in Lawn.
The memorial for those lost in the Truxton and Pollux still keeps vigil on the cliffs overlooking the site.
