Underwater explosive device found at critical Alabama reservoir
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — A routine underwater infrastructure inspection turned into a major security operation this week after commercial divers discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) submerged against a critical Alabama dam.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, contract divers conducting scheduled maintenance and repair surveys at the J.R. Converse Reservoir dam—locally known as Big Creek Lake—spotted what authorities later described as a “grenade-type” explosive device secured just below the water line.
The discovery prompted an immediate emergency notification to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, triggering a massive, multi-agency response to secure the site and neutralize the hazard.
“An Unprecedented Threat”
The 3,600-acre man-made reservoir serves as the primary drinking water source for more than 350,000 residents across Mobile and Baldwin counties. Because of its massive utility scale, the reservoir and its 5,000-foot earthen dam carry a formal federal designation as critical national infrastructure.
In an official statement released following the incident, Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) Director Bud McCrory praised the rapid actions of the field crews and law enforcement.
“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,” McCrory said. “Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe.”
High-Risk Maritime Recovery
Retrieving an unstable explosive device from an underwater environment required specialized tactical expertise. The recovery operation was executed by the Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team.
A stacked roster of local, state, and federal assets supported the operation, including:
- The FBI Bomb Squad
- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Bomb Squad
- The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office
- The Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordnance Detail (EOD)
- The Daphne Search and Rescue Team
Tactical dive teams successfully recovered the device from the face of the dam structure. Shortly thereafter, the combined bomb squads conducted a controlled, intentional detonation to destroy the IED.
MAWSS officials confirmed that the controlled blast caused zero structural damage to the dam, and local water quality monitoring teams verified that the regional drinking water supply remained completely uncompromised. No injuries were reported throughout the duration of the emergency response.
Investigation Enters Federal Channels
While parts of Big Creek Lake are regularly open to the public for recreational boating and fishing, access to the immediate dam infrastructure is restricted. Due to the site’s critical infrastructure classification, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been formally briefed on the breach.
Federal and state lawmakers quickly expressed relief regarding the outcome while underscoring the necessity of infrastructure security. In a statement published to X, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) noted, “Ensuring that our reservoirs remain secure is critical,” adding that her team remains in close contact with local and state investigators. U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-AL) similarly commended the swift, coordinated actions of the multi-agency response teams.
As of May 15, investigators have not released technical diagnostics regarding the composition of the IED, nor have they indicated how long the device had been submerged before its discovery.
The FBI and local law enforcement are currently pursuing multiple investigative angles to determine whether the device was deliberately planted as a targeted act of sabotage or if it was discarded in the deep water by a third party attempting to dispose of evidence. MAWSS announced it is currently reviewing perimeter surveillance footage and collaborating with law enforcement to permanently upgrade security protocols at the reservoir.
Explosive device found, detonated at Mobile water reservoir
This broadcast clip provides on-scene context and visual footage of the controlled underwater detonation executed by the multi-agency bomb squads at Big Creek Lake.