Oak Island 2026: Breakthrough Discoveries in the Money Pit Spoils

Investigating Borehole DN 11.5

During the 2026 season, the Oak Island team focused on borehole DN 11.5, reaching depths between 80 and 120 feet, known as the “Treasure Zone.” Heavy equipment operator Charles Barkhouse and geologist Terry Matheson identified a void roughly a foot and a half wide at about 90 feet below grade. This discovery suggested a possible tunnel, potentially connecting to previously identified boreholes DN 12.5 and DN 13.5, all aligning with the garden shaft.

Recovering and Analyzing Core Samples

The team extracted wood from the void for laboratory analysis. Archaeometallurgist Emma Culligan used X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to examine elemental composition. Results confirmed naturally occurring materials like iron, manganese, titanium, calcium, potassium, and aluminum — but notably, gold appeared as a significant outlier. This indicated that the wood may have been in contact with gold, providing a potential directional lead toward the treasure.

Evidence from D2 and Caribbean Artifacts

Earlier in the season, borehole D2 revealed wood carbon-dated to as early as 1488, alongside a mysterious piece of metal. In the C1 cluster, Gary Drayton and Jack Begley recovered Caribbean iron spikes, likely used as fasteners in tunnel construction. Additional discoveries included hand-hewn chisels, possibly tools for detailed work inside the Money Pit system. These artifacts provide tangible evidence of deliberate human engineering and craftsmanship.

Mapping the Treasure Location

The alignment of DN 11.5, DN 12.5, DN 13.5, and D2 with the garden shaft offers a clearer picture of the possible treasure location. The team’s strategic drilling and XRF analysis help pinpoint areas with the highest probability of hidden gold or artifacts, creating a systematic approach to uncovering the Money Pit.

Historical Significance

The recovered tools, timber, and metal fasteners may correspond to the original Money Pit construction techniques. Some artifacts appear to predate modern tools, suggesting hand-crafted methods from centuries ago. These findings could also relate to the legendary 90-foot stone engraved with hieroglyphics, which historically indicated buried treasure.

Continuing the Search

The team plans additional borehole drilling, core sampling, and metallurgical testing to confirm connections between the voids and potential treasure vaults. Each new discovery builds on previous evidence, refining the search grid and increasing the likelihood of locating the long-sought treasure.

Key Takeaways

• Borehole DN 11.5 revealed a void approximately 90 feet deep, potentially a tunnel linking to the garden shaft.
• Wood samples analyzed with XRF contained trace gold, indicating proximity to valuable materials.
• Caribbean iron spikes and hand-hewn chisels suggest centuries-old engineering within the Money Pit system.
• Alignment with other boreholes strengthens the case for a deliberate, engineered underground structure.
• Systematic drilling and artifact recovery bring the team closer to uncovering Oak Island’s legendary treasure.

Conclusion

Season 2026 has delivered significant breakthroughs at Oak Island. With evidence from DN 11.5, D2, and the surrounding spoil piles, the team has uncovered physical proof of tunnels, gold presence, and historical artifacts. Each discovery narrows the path toward the Money Pit treasure, bringing centuries-old mysteries closer to resolution.