Vanessa Lucido Leaks What Nobody Knew About Rick & Marty Lagina From Oak Island
The Curse of Oak Island fans got a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse this week, as Vanessa Lucido, CEO of ROC Equipment and the driving force behind Oak Island’s massive drills, opened up about her journey, the team, and the untold moments in the Money Pit.
Appearing on a recent episode of the Could It Be an Oak Island podcast, Lucido shared intimate stories that revealed not only the challenges of drilling on the legendary island but also the deeply human side of Rick and Marty Lagina — two brothers whose relentless search has captivated audiences for over a decade.
“We’re not just oscillating,” Lucido laughed, recalling a moment when their equipment dropped through layers of soft ground instead of cutting neatly.
“That casing is just going dropping. It’s just dropping.”
From Construction to Treasure Hunting
Lucido never envisioned herself as a treasure hunter. Her roots are firmly planted in the world of engineering. ROC Equipment, founded by her father in the late 1970s, initially specialized in drilling for major Las Vegas landmarks like the MGM Grand and Treasure Island. Their expertise later expanded into infrastructure projects, including critical work on the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Yet, Oak Island called her into a different kind of adventure. It was Rick Lagina’s enthusiasm that finally convinced Lucido she belonged in the world of historical mysteries. What started as a few unusual phone calls about “digging for gold” soon turned into a full-fledged commitment to one of history’s greatest unsolved puzzles.
The Realities of Digging for Legends
Lucido described drilling on Oak Island as uniquely challenging. Each shaft demands careful work, often taking a week to complete due to unstable soils and centuries of debris. Her bold decision to upgrade the casing size from 5 feet to 8 feet early on helped the team uncover more significant findings.
She also introduced her top talent, including “Pirate Dany,” a seasoned driller whose creative on-site problem-solving has proven invaluable.
“It’s more than just drilling,” Lucido said. “It’s history, it’s engineering, it’s persistence.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies
As a female CEO in a male-dominated industry, Lucido faced her share of skepticism. But growing up in a family that valued capability over gender gave her the resilience to lead without apology. She fondly remembers a young viewer who called her the “Princess Elsa of Oak Island,” highlighting the impact her presence has had on inspiring young women.
Lucido’s advice to the next generation?
“Show up. Own your space. You belong.”
Despite her growing presence on television, Lucido remains committed to her roots — balancing her CEO duties with her work on the island. Her passion lies not in the spotlight, but in the satisfaction of real, tangible discoveries.
Believing in the Treasure
Lucido believes without hesitation that something important lies beneath Oak Island. Artifacts like carved timbers and sheets of metal found at depths of 150 to 200 feet are more than just curiosities — they are undeniable evidence of deliberate, ancient engineering.
She even entertains the possibility that the treasure could be religious relics, maybe even the Ark of the Covenant, although she approaches such theories with measured optimism.
“Whether it’s gold, artifacts, or answers, there’s something real here,” Lucido said.
A Family Affair
Some of Lucido’s most cherished memories involve sharing the island with her family. Naming a shaft after her mother and daughter was a deeply emotional moment, symbolizing a generational connection to the ongoing search.
Another highlight was teaching Lee Lamb, whose family history is intertwined with Oak Island, how to operate the drill — a passing of the torch from old legends to new hands.
Looking Ahead
Lucido’s final message is clear:
“Oak Island is real. The people, the sweat, the mystery — it’s all genuine.”
She remains committed to helping the team push forward, whatever they may find beneath the surface. As the podcast teased future sessions with stars like Steve Guptill and celebrated Lucido’s contributions to their trading card series, it’s clear that Vanessa’s impact on Oak Island, and the broader world of treasure hunting, is only just beginning.