HOLLYWOOD, Fla. –Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 responded to a call 1:30 p.m. from local authorities to investigate a mine-like object floating in the water near Dania Beach, Feb. 9.
A recreational boater spotted the object and called the U.S. Coast Guard, who first arrived on scene. The Coast Guard set up a three-mile perimeter around the object and called Navy EOD for assistance.
“We received the call and the response was textbook cooperation," said Lt. Michael Simmons, officer in charge of EODMU 6, Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
"Five of us drove straight through and each county's law enforcement escorted us,” said Simmons, citing Jacksonville, St. Johns, Flagler, Clay, Broward County Bomb Squad and the Florida Highway Patrol. “The Coast Guard provided boats and all the gear we asked for."
The response was a joint effort between the U.S Coast Guard, Hollywood Police Department and the U.S. Navy EOD.
Broward County Sheriff's Office and the Hollywood Police department closed off a two-mile stretch of beach near the Dania Beach pier ensuring the safety of beachgoers.
EOD technicians from the team swam from a Coast Guard vessel to object in order to examine it up close. Their extensive training allowed them to determine the object was an inert training shape.
Once the EODMU 6 team determined the object was safe, the U.S Coast Guard towed the training shape into port and gave the all-clear to reopen the beach.
"Everyone was relieved to find it was training shape and there was no danger to the public,” said Simmons.