New maps, strange symbols, and man-made structures fuel hopes of solving 200-year-old treasure puzzle

Nova Scotia, Canada — The Oak Island mystery has taken another twist. Rick and Marty Lagina, along with their crew, have located what appears to be a square-shaped hatch buried on the island’s western side. The discovery, near a roadway and consistent with markings on centuries-old maps, could mark a hidden entrance long sought by generations of treasure hunters.

Strange Maps and Cryptic Symbols

The find comes after the team was introduced to two ancient maps by the late researcher Zena Halpern. One map, dated 1179, included inscriptions and place names suggesting a possible link between Oak Island and the medieval Knights Templar. Another French map from 1347 contained references to “anchors,” “valve,” and “hatch” — enigmatic terms that continue to puzzle researchers.

Halpern believed these maps connected Oak Island to Prince Henry Sinclair’s voyages in the late 14th century and even hinted at earlier European activity. For the team, the alignment between Halpern’s maps and modern satellite imagery was striking. In one instance, the markings on the map corresponded almost exactly with the current shoreline and even a modern driveway.

A Hidden Opening Near the Road

When the crew investigated a depression near Dave Blankenship’s property, they were stunned to find signs of a man-made structure. Stones appeared to have been deliberately moved and arranged, raising hopes that the hatch could lead to a tunnel system.

Archaeologist Laird Niven inspected the site, noting indications of human activity. Marty Lagina speculated the opening could be an entrance to a corridor extending beneath the island. However, legal restrictions meant excavation required provincial permission before further work could begin.

Rick Lagina stressed transparency with authorities, underscoring the brothers’ commitment to responsible exploration. Unlike earlier treasure hunters who often used destructive methods, the Laginas rely on modern archaeological techniques to balance discovery with preservation.

Echoes of Past Treasure Hunts

The hatch discovery adds to a long history of attempts to unlock Oak Island’s secrets. In the 1930s, Melbourne and William Chappell tried tunneling toward the Money Pit before being thwarted by seawater flooding in from legendary flood tunnels. Decades later, their efforts were rediscovered by the current team while drilling in Valley 3.

The island is also home to Nolan’s Cross — five massive granite boulders arranged in the shape of a cross, first documented by surveyor Fred Nolan in 1981. Some experts believe the layout represents a Templar cross or even the mystical “tree of life.” Stone specialists recently concluded at least one boulder showed signs of deliberate shaping, fueling speculation of human involvement.

A Treasure or Just Another Mystery?

For centuries, Oak Island has been rumored to conceal everything from pirate treasure to sacred Templar relics. Each new find — from pottery and timbers to ancient coins — fuels debate over whether the island hides riches or simply layers of legend.

As the team awaits permits to explore the hatch, the central question remains: is this just another dead end, or could it finally be the key to Oak Island’s greatest secret?