MOBILE, Ala. — Authorities safely detonated a grenade-style improvised explosive device found underwater during a routine maintenance dive at the Converse Reservoir dam, prompting a multi-agency response and renewed concern about security at a critical piece of infrastructure in Mobile’s water system.
The device was discovered during a dive conducted by the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, according to reports. The unexpected find led to the response of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI Bomb Squad, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and other agencies, officials said.
Authorities have described the object as a grenade-style IED, but they have not publicly said what type of explosives it contained or how old it was. Based on the reporting available to me, those details have not yet been released.
The reservoir and dam are part of the city’s drinking water system, which made the discovery especially serious. After the device was removed and detonated safely, officials said they planned to increase security around the site.
The find comes during a routine inspection that turned into a major law enforcement and public safety operation. No injuries were reported.