What to Know
- Evacuations were ordered in a Brooklyn neighborhood Friday over reports of a possible sea mine, an explosive, in Newtown Creek
- The item turned out to be a homemade anchor, definitely not a sea mine; no injuries were reported
- Sea mines are self-contained explosive devices put in water to destroy submarines or large surface ships
Several blocks of a Brooklyn neighborhood were evacuated Friday as authorities investigated a report of possible explosives -- a sea mine, in fact -- found in the water, according to the FDNY. It turned out to be an old homemade anchor, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation.
Fire officials said they got a call about the possible device in Newtown Creek, off Grand Street in East Williamsburg shortly before 1 p.m. Chopper 4 showed a heavy emergency presence at the scene; a bomb containment unit was also spotted.
Within about 90 minutes, the item was determined to be a homemade boat anchor. No injuries were reported.
Sea mines are self-contained explosive devices put in water to destroy submarines or large surface ships. Like land mines, they're left wherever they're deposited until they're triggered by a vessel that touches or, in some cases, approaches it.
