Brockton Man Unexpectedly Pulls Potentially Dangerous Item From Charles River

A Brockton man known in the online community as 'Brockton Magnet Fisher,' made an unexpected discovery while magnet fishing along Kendrick Street in Needham.

The incident occurred on Friday, March 1 when

He contacted authorities March 1 after pulling something from the water that could have been dangerous.

Sean Martell, the man behind the name and the YouTube channel Brockton Magnet Fisher, stumbled upon what appeared to be an old military mortar submerged in the Charles River. The object, approximately 12 inches long and 4 inches in diameter, was brought to the surface using Martell's "Kratos Orion" magnet.

Upon receiving reports from Needham Police, the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad swiftly responded to the scene. Sgt. Paul Horgan and Trooper Scott Irish examined the object and determined it to be a severely deteriorated military projectile.

With coordination from local police and firefighters, a suitable disposal site was identified, and the projectile was safely transported. The bomb squad ensured the item was countercharged and disposed of without incident.

READ MORE: The 800-Pound Creature Lurking Beneath the Surface of the Taunton River

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of magnet fishing, a hobby gaining popularity. It also underscores the critical role of specialized units like the State Police Bomb Squad in responding to potentially hazardous discoveries.

This event serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious when engaging in activities that may unearth unexpected dangers, even in seemingly ordinary locations like urban waterways.

You never know when you might come across an old military projectile -- or something even more unexpected.