A South Carolina port was evacuated Wednesday amid reports of a dirty bomb on a ship at the Port of Charleston, according to Coast Guard officials.
The FBI are investigating and have confirmed that a suspect is being questioned in connection to the incident.
Kmov.com reports: A dirty bomb is an explosive made with radioactive material.
Emergency officials report radiation has not been detected as they comb the vessel.
One Coast Guard official told WCSC, “the Maersk Memphis is currently moored at Charleston’s Wando terminal which has been evacuated while bomb detection units from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies investigate the threat.”
The Coast Guard also reported that a unified command has been established to oversee the response.
Hazmat and EMS crews are also reported on the scene.
#Update A 1 NM safety zone has been established around the vessel while law enforcement authorities investigate the threat.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) June 15, 2017
Authorities: FBI investigating report of dirty bomb on ship at Wando Terminal https://t.co/zWlybAzRdx #chsnews pic.twitter.com/K1rLgiBGU4
— Live5News (@Live5News) June 15, 2017
Wando Welch terminal still closed. No word from port officials after workers were told to evacuate bc of possible "dirty bomb" pic.twitter.com/OsAJ1skjAs
— Dean Stephens (@RippleDStephens) June 15, 2017