An improvised explosive device was discovered underwater at the Converse Reservoir dam, which supplies drinking water for Mobile, Alabama. Local reports indicate divers conducting routine repair and maintenance operations located the grenade-type IED.

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office notified authorities after the discovery, triggering a multi-agency response involving federal and local teams including the FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordinance Detail, ALEA Bomb Squad, and Daphne Search and Rescue Team. The Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team successfully retrieved and detonated the device.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts, stating: “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 it. Ensuring our reservoirs remain secure is critical.” MAWSS director Bud McCrory emphasized: “This is an unprecedented threat… We are fortunate this device was discovered before causing serious damage to our water supply or harm to individuals.”

Officials confirmed the dam and reservoir are federally designated critical infrastructure, requiring notification to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the discovery.