Rick Lagina Reaches the Treasure Tunnel: Massive Timbers Discovered 100 Feet Below the Garden Shaft
A Historic Discovery Beneath the Garden Shaft
For Rick Lagina and the Oak Island team, the moment they had waited years for finally arrived deep beneath the island. Nearly 100 feet below the surface, a section of what appears to be a mysterious tunnel structure was revealed near the Garden Shaft.
As Rick descended to inspect the discovery, massive wooden beams became visible in the exposed section of the tunnel. Each timber looked unique, large, and carefully shaped. For the team, the sight was more than just old wood.
It was physical proof that the tunnel long theorized beneath the Money Pit might truly exist.
Rick described the moment as one that sent chills down his spine. After decades of speculation, the structure was no longer an interpretation or theory. It was real.
Carbon Dating Suggests a 17th Century Origin
Earlier in the year, wood samples recovered through drilling had already been tested using carbon dating. The results suggested that the material dated back to the 17th century, placing the construction of the tunnel hundreds of years in the past.
Now that the structure was partially exposed, the team planned to remove several of the timbers for additional testing.
If the beams proved to be original construction from the early depositors of the Money Pit, it could dramatically strengthen the theory that a complex engineered system once existed underground.
For Rick Lagina, the possibility was thrilling.
If the tunnel truly led somewhere deeper beneath the island, it might eventually guide the team toward whatever was hidden there centuries ago.
Metal Detection Reveals New Artifacts
While examining the exposed tunnel area, metal detection expert Gary Drayton was invited to scan the site.
With his detector sweeping the ground, Gary soon uncovered two metal objects buried near the structure. Although the items were small and heavily worn, their shape suggested they may have been part of the tunnel’s construction.
The artifacts were carefully collected and sent to the Oak Island laboratory for analysis.
If experts could determine their age or origin, they might provide critical clues about who built the tunnel and when it was constructed.
A Jeweled Brooch Found on Lot 21
Later that day, Rick Lagina and Gary Drayton continued searching for clues in another part of the island known as Lot 21, near the historic home site of Daniel McGinnis.
During their search, Gary’s metal detector produced a strong signal. Digging into the soil, he uncovered something remarkable.
A jeweled brooch.
The ornate piece appeared heavy and finely crafted, suggesting it may have belonged to someone of wealth or status. Its design immediately reminded the team of another jeweled brooch discovered earlier on the island.
If the artifact predates known treasure-hunting activity, it could indicate that important visitors once walked these grounds centuries ago.
For Rick, it was another “holy-schmoly” moment in the ongoing search.
More Evidence of Ancient Ships in the Swamp
Meanwhile, another team continued searching the mysterious triangular swamp area of Oak Island.
In previous excavations, the team had discovered several ship-related artifacts, including wood fragments believed to come from vessels dating between the 15th and 18th centuries. One piece of ship railing found in 2020 was even dated as far back as the 8th century.
While digging near the southern edge of the swamp, Billy Gerhardt uncovered another unusual wooden structure buried in the sediment.
The wood appeared shaped and positioned intentionally, possibly part of a retaining wall or structural feature.
Some experts believe it could even be connected to a wooden wall discovered decades earlier by former Oak Island owner Fred Nolan, who believed the swamp itself might have been artificially constructed.
Could the Swamp Hide a Medieval Harbor?
Geoscientist Dr. Ian Spooner was invited to inspect the newly discovered wooden structure.
One intriguing possibility quickly emerged.
The structure might have served as a loading or unloading platform connected to the nearby stone road. If ships once docked along the swamp’s edge, goods could have been transferred between vessels and land using this feature.
If true, it would suggest that Oak Island may have been used as a hidden harbor or staging area centuries ago.
The question then becomes: who built it, and what were they moving?
Another Step Closer to Solving the Oak Island Mystery
For Rick Lagina, every discovery adds another piece to a puzzle that has fascinated treasure hunters for more than two centuries.
The tunnel beneath the Garden Shaft, the artifacts found on Lot 21, and the wooden structures in the swamp all point to one conclusion.
Something significant happened on Oak Island long before the famous discovery of the Money Pit in 1795.
Whether the island once served as a secret harbor, a storage site, or something even more mysterious remains unknown.
But with each new find, the team moves one step closer to uncovering the truth hidden beneath Oak Island.
