An improvised explosive device was discovered underwater at the Converse Reservoir dam in Mobile, Alabama, which supplies drinking water to the city.
Divers conducting routine maintenance on the dam identified a grenade-type improvised explosive device (IED).
The MAWSS immediately alerted the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, which coordinated a multi-agency response for analysis, retrieval and safe demolition of the device.
A joint effort involving the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordinance Detail, ALEA Bomb Squad, and Daphne Search and Rescue Team worked to secure the threat. The Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team ultimately retrieved and detonated the device.
In a statement, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) expressed gratitude for the successful response: “I am extremely grateful for the Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordinance Detail, ALEA Bomb Squad and the Daphne Search and Rescue Team for their successful retrieval and detonation of the grenade-type explosive device found at the Converse Reservoir dam.”
Britt also added: “We are thankful for the diligent work that led to identifying this device and for the multi-agency response team that was able to detonate the device. Ensuring that our reservoirs remain secure is critical. My team and I have been in contact with state and local officials. We are thankful no one was harmed.”
MAWSS director Bud McCrory stated: “Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe.” He further noted, “This is an unprecedented threat, and we are fortunate that this device was discovered before it could cause serious damage to our water supply or harm to individuals. We are grateful for the professionalism and competency of our law enforcement partners – as well as the quick thinking of our contractors and divers – in identifying this device and safely destroying it.”
Officials confirmed that the dam and reservoir are federally designated critical infrastructure, meaning the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was notified.
