Rick Lagina: ”You’ll NEVER Beleve What I Just Found!!!”

Remember where the journey started. It’s that little five pages. It’s empirical hard evidence. I want to find the answer.

In the ninth episode of the 11th season, the team tackles water leaking into the garden shaft by using urethane to seal it off. During their work, they uncover several unexpected treasures: ancient timber, captivating artifacts, a mysterious ring, and a nail possibly linked to the famed treasure chest of William Fipps.

As they dig deeper, each find adds a layer of intensity and mystery to their efforts. What could these artifacts reveal about the legends surrounding this place? Join us and discover what lurks in the shadows of Oak Island’s hidden depths, floods, and findings.

A new day begins on Oak Island, and Rick and Alex Lagginina, along with their crew, come up with fresh ideas to solve the island’s mystery. Their first task is to deal with the flooding in the money pit area caused by recent heavy rain in Nova Scotia.

As they dig deeper, Rick and his team find evidence of old structures around the 150 ft deep money pit. These findings don’t seem natural, leaving the team puzzled about how people from long ago managed to work at such great depths. As they dig further, they notice clearer signs like a mound of sand and what looks like a cover for digging. Seeing a possible entrance, they plan to explore a cave underground, hoping to find any hidden treasure.

The next day, they start drilling a borehole to gather more information about the cave. Meanwhile, other members of the team work on stopping the water from getting into the garden shaft.

In a crucial meeting, Craig Tester, some archaeologists, and other crew members discuss their findings with blacksmith expert Carmen Leg. They focus on a metal strap and another artifact they recently found in a circular depression on Lot 5. Before the meeting, these artifacts were analyzed using advanced scanning technology. Carmen identifies one of the items as a clasp from a small chest, likely from the 17th century.

This discovery raises many questions about whether these artifacts are connected to other items from the 17th century or to precious metals that have been found in the money pit area before. Another artifact, identified as a simple nail, hints at significant historical activity in that spot.

Archaeologists Helen Sheldon and Moya Macdonald continue their careful search on Lot 5, digging deeper into a mysterious stone structure. They find a piece of a barrel strap with a greenish tint, suggesting it’s made of copper known for resisting corrosion. But this isn’t the most surprising part. Rick Lagginina points out another discovery: the top of a keg. This suggests that Lot 5 might have been used as a place to prepare for work related to the money pit.

The team keeps working on Lot 5 with Jack Begley helping to sift through the dirt for more clues. Meanwhile, on another part of the island, historian Terry Mat and Park House oversee drilling at borehole L135. Here they find a cavern about 141 ft deep. Mike, one of the team members, reports feeling dirty after moving through about 6 ft of open space, but the team remains optimistic as they keep drilling, hoping for more revelations.

The episode ends with a focus on a place called Aladdin’s Cave. This area is seen as potentially crucial to the whole search, especially if they find anything man-made inside. When they reach Aladdin’s Cave, the team uses a camera designed for low-light conditions with a 360° lens to explore further. Inside, they find traces of gold, silver, and organic materials.

This cave is now a top candidate for holding an offset chain and possibly the long-sought-after treasure. Even though the details are unclear, they spot what might be a hallway or tunnel, which gives them hope. Sonar technology is used to get precise measurements, helping them to uncover the island’s secrets.

During a routine operation by Duma’s Contracting Limited aimed at fixing water seepage in the garden shaft at the Money Pit, Rick Lagginina, Craig Tester, and their team made an unexpected discovery. They found a 65-ft deep hole with wooden fragments scattered inside. This find sparked their curiosity about its possible connection to old underground structures.

It could lead to a chamber or passageway that they hadn’t noticed before. Even though the water posed a big challenge, the team was excited and ready to explore this new development. They knew that solving the flooding problem could be key to making important breakthroughs in their ongoing search on Oak Island.

But this wasn’t just another obstacle. The team saw it as a stepping stone that might bring them closer to understanding the island’s hidden history. Their determination to dig deeper into Oak Island’s past grew stronger because of this surprising discovery.

The fact that this find was near the site of the money pit, which dates back to 1795, made them hopeful that it could connect some of the missing pieces in the island’s long and complicated story. Meanwhile, on another part of the island, things got even more interesting. Rick, Craig, and the rest of the crew were investigating the swampy areas near the money pit when they stumbled upon a mysterious cave.

As they explored, they found something that looked like jewelry. This find sent a wave of excitement through the team. They wondered if it could be connected to historical treasures, especially those tied to the ill-fated ship Conpsion. This ship, which has been part of stories about lost treasure for more than 200 years, hinted at the possibility that they might finally uncover some long-sought answers and perhaps even treasure.

In the war room, Terry Mat oversaw the drilling activities at the Money Pit, while Scott Clark, Charles Morris, and Alex Lagginina joined the rest of the team. Scott Clark, who is an expert in 3D Freemasonry, shared some exciting leads about potential silver deposits in the area. He talked about how these might be connected to the treasure of the Conpsion, a ship that sank in 1641 and was later salvaged by William Fipps in 1687, reportedly yielding a treasure worth 205,000 euro.

Clark also brought up a letter suggesting that Edward Belchure might have moved some of the Conpsion’s treasure close to Oak Island in 1688. He even shared a 1701 map that showed the wreck of the Conpsion and areas marked with silver near Oak Island, hinting at a possible historical trail of hidden treasures.

But this wasn’t the end of their discoveries. To dig deeper into Oak Island’s connections to early seafaring ventures and hidden riches, the team examined surface finds, including a piece of copper sheathing. This artifact might be key to understanding the island’s maritime history during the golden age of piracy, suggesting that there were significant seafaring activities on the island.

As they continued digging around the money pit and nearby areas, these surface finds on Lot 4 gave them valuable clues about Oak Island’s overall story. One recent discovery was a ship-related artifact, likely part of the ship’s deck or railing, which supported earlier findings and added to the theory that there were deliberate efforts to use the island’s landscape to hide a treasure-laden ship.

As they solve one problem, another clue pops up, suggesting there’s much more to find. Treasures beneath the swamp. In another exploration of Oak Island, the team made an intriguing discovery: a fragment of what might be a small boat, possibly from the 1680s. Dr. Spooner believes this could be part of a long boat used to unload cargo.

The fact that they found it at a shallow depth of just 2 to 3 ft made it even more interesting, especially since it might connect to older cargo barrels found near the stone wharf and traces of silver are in the money pit. Their work in the swamp area also revealed several artifacts related to ships, fueling speculation that there could be remnants of a hidden ship in the swamp.

Carmen Le, a skilled blacksmith, examined a piece of copper sheet they found and suggested it might have been part of a treasure chest dating back as far as 1100 AD. This idea aligns with Zena Halpern’s theory that the Templars might have used Oak Island to store treasures over many centuries.

But this wasn’t just about finding a piece of wood. Marty Lagginina was particularly intrigued and proposed a theory about air traps in what could be a flood tunnel, a theory that earlier drilling seemed to support. This discovery motivated the team to keep pushing forward, eager to connect more pieces of Oak Island’s complex history.

Meanwhile, over at Smith’s Cove, the team encountered a mysterious concrete wall with pipes running through it. This discovery led to many questions about where it came from and what its purpose might have been. The team debated whether the wall was older than the pipes, adding to their confusion. Despite the uncertainty, their determination to uncover more never wavered.

They were convinced that Smith’s Cove might hold some of the crucial answers they were searching for. To help with this, they sought advice from veteran treasure hunter Dan Blankenship. He offered valuable insights into the history of previous digs, emphasizing how difficult it is to interpret old records. Each new discovery at Smith’s Cove only seemed to make their quest more challenging.

Working with Irving Equipment Limited, the team ramped up their efforts at the HH shaft at 16 Conpsions. There, in the thick mud, they uncovered various items: paper, leather, human bones from the 17th century, and signs of a large wooden box pushed deep into the muddy ground. They also found pieces of colored parchment, possibly linked to the chapel vault.

Investigative journalist Randall Sullivan joined the team, bringing new insights from his latest research. He discussed Oak Island’s historical connections, including ties to Francis Bacon, flood tunnels, and the infamous 90 ft stone. Sullivan suggested exploring the south shore for more entrances to these flood tunnels, which energized the team.

As they followed his lead, they discovered more parchment-like materials in the HH shaft. The team also focused on the swamp and a nearby stone pathway. They unearthed stone artifacts, pottery, and charred iron rods, which suggested that the area might have been used for transporting heavy cargo. A charred eyebolt they found hinted at a link to a large sailing vessel.

Carmen Le examined an iron rod from the site and dated it to the late 1600s. They also found a British Navy jacket button in Samuel Ball’s foundation, raising questions about possible military involvement on the island. As they followed the stone pathway, they explored the idea that ancient piers might have existed on Oak Island. Diver Tony Samson confirmed the discovery of stone artifacts that could be connected to a stone ship’s pier, sparking speculation about a British naval officer’s role and shedding light on the island’s rich maritime history.

But the most exciting discoveries were yet to come. At Lot 5, led by archaeologist Alex Lagginina, the team found a small ring and a decorative metal piece. These items, which might be linked to historical privateering activities, were sent for further testing. Gary Drayton’s metal detector revealed a dowel similar to those found at Smith’s Cove, hinting at a structure used for loading and unloading cargo.

The archaeologists also identified a large rectangular feature at Lot 5, uncovering rocks used in its construction and an engraved stone that might have been part of the original money pit. But this wasn’t the end. As Gary Drayton continued exploring the swamp, he uncovered a chain and a hook, likely used for handling cargo, perhaps even treasure chests. These finds were also set to be analyzed further.

In the war room, Oak Island researcher Scott Clark presented findings from his book, Oak Island Odyssey, suggesting a Masonic conspiracy involving the Belchure family. He explored how Charles Morris, the surveyor of Nova Scotia, might have played a role in protecting the treasure by strategically dividing Oak Island into lots.

His discovery of Masonic compass designs on a 1762 map with points leading to Oak Island hinted at deeper Templar connections and the pursuit of the Holy Grail, adding another layer to the island’s mysteries. With every discovery, they wonder what else is hidden under the island.

Big tools for big treasures.

During the latest season of Oak Island’s exploration, the team made an exciting discovery in the Money Pit area. They found signs of tunnels that might lead to hidden treasure. These findings were connected to the French L results, supporting a new theory about the layout of the underground formations.

Using advanced scanning tools, the team carefully traced the stone road from the swamp, pinpointing its location with impressive accuracy. To dig deeper, they used a 22.5-ton hammer grab tool capable of reaching depths of up to 170 ft. Hoping to uncover the long-sought treasure, even though they faced challenges from government restrictions, they continued their excavation with precise measurements to guide them.

But this was just the beginning. Marty Lagginina and Charles Barkhouse traveled to the University of New Brunswick to get a scientific report on an interesting artifact: a lead bag seal found on the island’s south side near Lot 32. The seal had English symbols, and some team members speculated it could be linked to the Knights Templar. They worked to match these symbols with historical records to verify its origin.

Earlier explorations had hinted at Templar connections, including a stone-paved area in the swamp, cargo barrels, and a 14th-century lead cross. The new discovery of the lead bag seal seemed to add another layer to the mystery. They also found pieces of indigenous pottery, adding more depth to the island’s historical narrative.

Ground-penetrating radar scans suggested that the stone road might extend further than they initially thought, offering new insights into Oak Island’s past. As the team continued, they found traces of a buried stone pathway between the southeast corner of the swamp and the money pit. They carefully marked this location using GPS coordinates.

When they dug into the TF1 Kison, they were thrilled to discover significant wooden remains between 70 and 90 ft deep. This led them to wonder if the long-rumored treasure could still be buried at these depths. However, not everything was what it seemed. A detected anomaly turned out to be a large boulder from the D2 bore hole, connecting back to an exploration team led by Franklin Roosevelt in 1909.

This historical link suggested there was still much more to uncover. Plus, finding a small piece of gold nearby increased the importance of their discoveries, hinting they might be getting close to the fabled vault. But the surprises didn’t end there.

During the excavation of the TF1 shaft, the team found a metal artifact that might be linked to the FDR expedition of 1909. They also uncovered a worker’s boot from the early 20th century near the swamp. Ground-penetrating radar scans revealed the presence of a stone pathway, with surveyor Steve mapping out its plotted points.

Pieces of concrete found in the TF1 spoils raised the team’s hopes that they were nearing the vault, famously reported by Frederick Blair and William Chapel in 1897. Then Gary and Peter discovered a heavy iron artifact near the money pit, sparking questions about its historical significance.

But this wasn’t the most frustrating part. The team tried to retrieve a massive object from the TF1 shaft but failed, leading them to plan the use of XRF technology to analyze metal pieces from the wash plant for more clues.

In a critical meeting, Craig Tester shared mixed news. While they hadn’t found the chapel vault as they hoped, they did uncover evidence of possible 15th-century wooden structures and metal fragments with high concentrations of gold. This discovery made them think about the possibility of finding another treasure closer to the surface.

The search continued with renewed energy. During an annual meeting with their scientific contributors, the Lagginina brothers launched new archaeological pursuits led by Leair Nan. They began exploring a circular depression on Lot 5, curious if it might reveal more about the island’s past.

Although many visible alterations were recent, tied to the last owner, Robert Young, the team speculated that his contributions might connect to a much older project. While examining rocks left by Young, archaeologists found red earthenware, also known as Redwear, commonly used in Europe and North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. One piece had a unique purple and black glaze.

Catching Leair Nan’s attention, he noted that when archaeologists can’t precisely date such items, they often consider them to be much older, possibly from the 1600s. This raised questions about whether people lived on the island long before the discovery of the money pit, leaving Rick Lagginina pondering the site’s complex history.

But this wasn’t the end of their discoveries. In an exciting turn of events on Lot 5, the team’s dedication to solving Oak Island’s mystery was reinforced. Jack was optimistic about the success of this year’s search.

The focus then shifted back to Lot 5, where Rick, Marty, Craig, and Gary Drayton aimed to uncover more clues after finding three ancient coins. Gary’s metal detector soon revealed another coin, sparking excitement about a potential historic breakthrough. They later found a half Roman coin with a distinctive design similar in size to the others.

Thrilled by this find, they brought in numismatic expert Sandy Campbell, who has over 40 years of experience analyzing rare and ancient coins, hoping he could shed light on the origin and importance of these mysterious coins. Sandy Campbell examined the coins and identified one as a Tudor-period British coin with a portcullis design dating back to the 16th century. Another was a Roman coin from between 100 and 300 AD, while a third coin, possibly from India, dated back to the 6th to 8th centuries.

The team also found a tiny Roman coin that might be the oldest ever discovered on Oak Island, over 2,000 years old. These diverse ancient coins raised many questions about why they were on the island, hinting at a complex history. This fueled the team’s desire to continue their search, driven by the exciting possibilities these discoveries opened up.

The discoveries on Oak Island pose as many questions as answers. Could these ancient artifacts hint at a hidden civilization long before known settlers?

Like, comment your theories, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on this intriguing exploration.