Full Breakdown

Underwater IED Discovered at Mobile’s Converse Reservoir Dam

5/16/2026, 5:06:17 AM

Incident Response

On Wednesday, divers from Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) conducting routine maintenance at the J.B. Converse Reservoir dam (Big Creek Lake) in Mobile, Alabama, located a grenade-type improvised explosive device (IED) on the reservoir floor. The Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team retrieved and safely detonated the device; no damage to the dam or water supply occurred. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office coordinated an operation that also involved the FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordnance Detail, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Bomb Squad, Daphne Search and Rescue Team, and other responders.

The J.B. Converse Reservoir, built in 1952, holds over 17 billion gallons of water across 3,600 acres and supplies drinking water to Mobile and surrounding communities. Designated as federally critical infrastructure, the reservoir is surrounded by a 9,000-acre buffer zone and a 104-square-mile watershed that includes seven tributaries (Big Creek, Crooked Creek, Hamilton Creek, Juniper Creek, Collins Creek, Long Branch, Boggy Branch). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been notified.

MAWSS Director Bud McCrory said protecting the public water supply is the agency’s top priority and characterized the incident as a serious, previously unseen danger. He thanked law-enforcement partners, contractors, and divers for their professionalism. No suspect or motive has been identified.

Security analyst Joshua Steinman, a former National Security Council staffer, used the event to warn that “Check every dam.” He argued that low-tech attacks on critical facilities reveal gaps in physical and cyber defenses, potentially enabling foreign or domestic insurgent groups to cause widespread disruption.

Sources differ on the exact name of the maritime response unit (Coast Regional vs. Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team). Beyond this naming variance, all reports agree on the discovery, safe detonation, and lack of identified perpetrators. The investigation into how long the device was present and its origin remains open.

“Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe,” — Bud McCrory, MAWSS Director

“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.” — Bud McCrory, MAWSS Director

“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.” — Bud McCrory, MAWSS Director

MAWSS and partner agencies will review security protocols for the reservoir and dam. Ongoing coordination with the Department of Homeland Security is expected to shape additional protective measures and guide the investigation into the device’s origin.