Mortar Shell Found
Rhode Island Man Magnet Fishing Pulls Explosive Mortar Shell From River
Anonymous
Gerard Perreault pulled a mortar shell from beneath a Rhode Island bridge while magnet fishing on Thursday, August 27, triggering emergency evacuations and road closures. Within 20 minutes of dropping his magnet into the Pawtuxet River in West Warwick, the 35-year-old hooked the metallic device and immediately lowered it back into the water, then called police KFYR.
Police blocked Main Street at Legris Avenue and evacuated two apartment buildings as the bomb squad arrived. Technicians safely detonated the explosive with no injuries reported Live5News. This marks Perreault's third explosive find in six weeks—he pulled two WWII hand grenades from nearby waters in July and August WFSB.
A Hobby That Keeps Finding Danger
Perreault has become an unlikely expert in underwater ordnance recovery. In July, he pulled a WWII-era Mk 2 hand grenade from the water near Rocky Point Pier in Warwick WBNG. Within weeks, he found a second grenade in the same area KPLC.
After the mortar shell discovery, Perreault gave clear safety advice to other magnet fishers: do not handle suspicious items. "If you find something explosive, lower it back down and call the police immediately," he said WTOK. His quick thinking likely prevented disaster.
Why Rhode Island Waters Hold Military Relics
World War II left Rhode Island's waterways scattered with unexploded ordnance. During the war, the state hosted major U.S. Navy and Army operations, including the Naval Construction Battalion Center and the Torpedo Station in Newport KCTV5. Surplus weapons and damaged equipment were sometimes disposed of in local bays and rivers.
The Pawtuxet River and Narragansett Bay remain repositories for this forgotten arsenal. Magnet fishing disturbs these submerged caches regularly, bringing dangerous items to the surface MySuncoast. Authorities worry the hobby will unearth more weapons.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
West Warwick police, fire, and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal's Bomb Squad responded within minutes. They cordoned off the Main Street bridge at Route 117 and shut down surrounding roads WLOX. Residents at 91 and 93 West Warwick Avenue were told to leave their homes as a precaution.
The U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit joined the effort to secure and render the mortar shell safe. Once technicians executed a controlled detonation, roads reopened and residents returned home KCBD. No property damage or injuries occurred.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
25
Articles
25
Reach
25
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
