Just weeks after the September 11 attacks and the start of the 2001 anthrax attacks, Mariner was evacuated on October 10 when pepper spray was released into the school's ventilation system. Everyone inside was moved to on-site Goddard Stadium around 10:50 AM, just minutes after numerous health complaints from students were made; classes were eventually canceled for the rest of the day. 30 students were sent to Providence Everett Medical Center for treatment; all were released later that day without any major injuries.