Tunnel Discovery Near the Money Pit

Rick Lagina, Dave Blankenship, Charles Barkhouse, and Doug Crowell are working with the Choice Drilling team in the Money Pit area. Their goal: confirm the existence of a tunnel connected to Shaft 6, which was dug in 1861 to bypass Oak Island’s booby traps. That shaft flooded just one foot shy of its target depth at 118 feet.

Three weeks ago, a potential breakthrough occurred. At 109 feet, the team uncovered wood that could be from Shaft 6. If verified, this may lead directly to the original Money Pit and a debris field filled with historical artifacts.

Using a specialized sonic drilling rig, core samples are being extracted every 10 feet and carefully examined. Three separate data sets suggest a tunnel does exist, prompting the team to investigate geotextile layers and spoil materials for further evidence.

Survey and Cannonball Analysis

Surveyor Steve Guptill and researcher Michael John are analyzing material from borehole E5.25, including a small cannonball or grapeshot dating to the 15th century. This type of artillery was used in both naval and land warfare.

The presence of such a weapon supports the theory that Oak Island may have been involved in military or treasure transport activity centuries ago. Researchers believe a nearby borehole may intersect with a tunnel linked to the original Money Pit.

Weapons and Gunstone Theories

Archaeologist Dr. Aaron Taylor and Marty Lagina discuss another find: a dress stone or gunstone, possibly fired from a blunderbuss—a pre-17th century weapon that used iron balls and musket shot. This supports James McQuiston’s theory that the Oak Island mystery may involve military or secretive European powers.

C1 Cluster: Promising Signs in CD-4.5

Drilling continues in the C1 cluster, specifically in borehole CD-4.5, under the supervision of Charles Barkhouse and Matt Lagina. They uncover wood and an encrusted metal object around 75.5 feet deep, possibly part of a wooden tunnel. This borehole has consistently yielded metallic and wooden artifacts, drawing great interest.

Nearby borehole D2 reveals a wooden tunnel dating to 1488 and a metal fragment containing substantial gold. Rick Lagina confirms the object is not part of the rig. Both finds are taken to the archaeology trailer for XRF analysis (X-ray fluorescence), which can determine metal composition.

Honoring Dan Blankenship

To honor late treasure hunter Dan Blankenship, the team gathers at the 10X drill site. Rick Lagina installs a tribute plaque and positions Dan’s old rig at the location of his most significant finds. Dan’s children, Dave and Linda, attend the ceremony.

Ship Evidence in the Swamp

In the swamp, the team uncovers a polished wooden piece, possibly part of a ship’s handrail, attached to the stone road structure. This lends further credibility to the theory that the swamp was once an active seaport.

However, a large unmovable object blocks further exploration. The team remains determined, convinced the swamp still hides vital answers.

Major Shipwreck Discovery

A significant shipwreck discovery becomes central to the eighth season. This new revelation changes the search’s direction, leading to theories about trade, transport, and potential burial of treasure via sea routes. The team is filled with renewed energy as they examine polished wood and stone pathways leading to the wreck site.

Historic Coin and Templar Evidence

Old shipping logs are uncovered, suggesting a 1746 French military expedition—the Duc d’Anville Armada—reached Oak Island. This could explain several older military artifacts found.

Earlier seasons featured significant finds:

• In Season 1, Steve Zazulyk discovered a Spanish 8 copper coin, likely from the 1600s.
• In Season 2, Gary Drayton uncovered two Britannia coins from the reign of King Charles II—one dated 1771.
• One of these coins featured a cross, suggesting a Templar or religious connection.
• In Season 5, Drayton and Rick found a solid lead cross on the seashore, which dated to the 13th century—linked again to the Knights Templar.

Unexplored Regions and Hidden Clues

In Season 6, the team moved to a previously unsearched area, uncovered a well-preserved cartwheel copper coin, and even found a jeweled brooch using metal detection beneath a boulder.

These discoveries continue to paint a larger picture: Oak Island’s mystery may involve Knights Templar, European navies, buried treasure, and forgotten technologies—all connected by a web of tunnels, artifacts, and clues beneath the surface.