Oak Island Season 13 Episode 20: The Sands of Time – New Discoveries and Surprising Turns

The team takes a bold step with the next quest location

As Oak Island’s Season 13 continues, Episode 20, titled The Sands of Time, takes viewers deeper into the heart of the mystery with bold moves and unexpected findings. In the war room, Marty and the team decide on their next target after several borehole operations have failed to yield significant results. Their attention shifts to the Peacock area, which has shown traces of precious metals. This area, previously untouched in previous seasons, could provide new answers or possibly even lead to the elusive treasure.

The team’s excitement stems from the earlier discovery of a 10-foot-high void at 150 feet, as well as signs of man-made structures beneath the surface. The Peacock area has now become their primary focus, with hopes that it could provide the missing link to the original Money Pit or its surrounding treasure caches. Marty, Rick, and the team gear up to sink another borehole, hoping this could be the breakthrough they’ve been searching for.

Lot 8 – New insights from Dr. Spooner and the cradle structure

Over on Lot 8, the team continues to investigate the cradle structure uncovered by a massive 40,000-pound boulder removed earlier in the season. Dr. Spooner, a key expert in archaeology, joins the team in examining the site. The structure, which features unusual rock formations and blue clay layers, is not only a site of interest but also a possible relic from a much older time.

Professor Adriano Gaspani’s earlier calculations suggested that the alignment of the Lot 5 structure could date back to the 1200s, and recent finds on Lot 8 seem to support this timeline. These clues align with artifacts such as a bronze button and a spike, both dated to the 13th century. As Dr. Spooner investigates the cradle further, the team speculates that the boulder may have been intentionally placed to conceal something valuable or historically significant, possibly linking it to earlier European explorers or even the Knights Templar.

New discoveries at Lot 5 raise fresh questions

Meanwhile, on Lot 5, Gary Drayton and Marty Lagina investigate the area between a round feature and the bay, where they uncover a covered well that had previously been overlooked. Initially thought to be a modern addition to the site, the well begins to show signs of age and complexity.

Marty and Gary notice that the well’s unusual positioning—close to the ocean—raises new questions. Why would a well be placed so near to the water? As they dig deeper, they discover that the well extends far beyond what was initially assumed, with layers of leaves and soft materials filling the shaft. This new depth adds an important layer to the mystery, suggesting that the well could be far older than expected and may connect to the larger

site’s hidden history.

A possible pintle find shakes up the investigation

The turning point of the investigation comes when Gary uncovers a significant metal object near the well. Initially thought to be a simple hook, Marty suggests that it could be a pintle—a type of pivot pin historically used for doors and gates. The team has previously encountered similar objects, including one on Lot 15 and another near the Lot 8 boulder. If this object from Lot 5 is indeed a pintle, it could further strengthen the idea of a broader, connected system on the island.

Later lab tests confirm that the item is indeed old, with minimal impurities and no modern alloying elements. The lack of potassium suggests that the metal likely dates to the mid-1700s. This supports the theory that the well—and potentially the surrounding features—may be much older than originally thought.

Stonework and the well’s deeper mystery

Adding to the intrigue, Laird Niven points out the stonework surrounding the well, which resembles other features found on Lot 8. This stone configuration, combined with the older-than-expected finds and the well’s deeper levels, creates a more complex picture. Laird emphasizes that wells are often places where objects are lost or deliberately hidden, which makes the base of this well especially significant.

As the investigation progresses, the possibility that the well could be part of a larger historical structure becomes more likely. It could be a key element in understanding the broader layout of the site and its potential connections to other important locations across Oak Island. With each layer of soil removed, the well becomes more than just a forgotten feature—it could be part of a broader, deliberate effort to conceal something important.

The future of Lot 5 – A deeper exploration

As Marty and the team continue their investigation, the evidence suggests that Lot 5 may hold the key to unlocking a much larger piece of Oak Island’s history. The combination of medieval-era finds, unexpected depth, and the discovery of potential sacred symbolism make Lot 5 an increasingly important area.

Although Lot 5 has often been overshadowed by the Money Pit and other well-known areas on the island, it is quickly becoming a focal point in the search for answers. The discoveries made so far suggest that Oak Island may have been used by multiple groups across centuries, each leaving behind layers of secrets to be uncovered.

The importance of continued excavation

The episode ends with the promise of further excavation. The team plans to revisit the well, carefully uncovering more layers to determine how deep it truly goes and what secrets may still lie beneath. The pintle discovery alone raises significant questions about the island’s history, and with the new information from the well, the search for Oak Island’s treasure and history becomes even more complex.

Oak Island’s mysteries are far from over. As the season moves forward, each new find builds on the last, and Lot 5 could prove to be the breakthrough the team has been waiting for. If the well and its surrounding features continue to yield valuable clues, the team may finally uncover the truth behind the long-held legend of Oak Island.