In a series of jaw-dropping developments, the Oak Island team—led by Rick and Marty Lagina, archaeologists, geologists, and longtime team members like Dan Henskee and Charles Barkhouse—has made what could be one of the most significant breakthroughs in the 223-year-old treasure mystery.
While excavating at Smith’s Cove, the team uncovered a triangular-shaped hole surrounded by flat stones, strongly believed to be part of a flood drain system connected to the infamous Money Pit. The shape and stone layout eerily resemble descriptions from an 1863 Yarmouth Herald article and are accompanied by traces of coconut fiber, once theorized to be used as a filtering material in flood tunnels.
Nearby, the team made a second discovery that has tongues wagging across the treasure-hunting world: a metallic sphere encased in clay and circled by stones. Initial speculation suggests it could be a cannonball or even a ballast stone with an unknown origin, possibly dating back centuries. Further excavation is planned.
Concrete Wall Could Rewrite Oak Island History
In a stunning twist, archaeologist Leairard Nan and his colleagues unearthed a concrete wall buried 8 feet deep—a structure entirely unexpected at the site. The use of poured concrete, if verified as authentic and ancient, could date the construction back to the Roman era (3rd century BC), when such technology first emerged.
“This discovery forces us to rethink everything we thought we knew about who may have arrived on Oak Island,” said Nan. Engineers have been consulted to assess the wall’s structural integrity and age.
Rare Building Techniques Hint at Pre-Colonial Engineering
Rick and Alex Lagina uncovered an L-shaped wooden structure that has puzzled archaeologists. Uniquely built using wooden pegs instead of iron nails, the structure bears no known precedent in Nova Scotia. It’s believed it could be an ancient boat slip, especially since similar timbers were reported by treasure hunter Gilbert Hedden in 1936.
The crew is now working to determine if this L-shaped structure connects to other nearby constructions—potentially offering insight into the island’s layered history.
U-Shaped Structure and French Drain Add to the Puzzle
Another team, including geologist Terry Matheson and equipment operator Billy Gerhardt, uncovered a U-shaped timber structure, a large vertical wooden wall, and even what appears to be a French drain. These features could be part of a flood tunnel system and may bring the team closer to understanding how seawater entered the Money Pit.
Nearby, a massive stone circle was discovered—possibly a well, a mill, or a component of an early water management system. Beneath it: what could be a hidden tunnel system.
New Dendrochronology Tests Confirm 18th-Century Origins
Professor Colin Lorac’s tree ring analysis revealed that many of the wooden constructions in Smith’s Cove date to 1770–1771—predating the discovery of the Money Pit. This time stamp aligns with multiple structures, including the U-shaped formation and a slipway.
“This period may have seen significant activity on the island, and it’s possible this work was deliberate and organized,” said Lorac.
Gold-Colored Object Sparks New Hope
Metal detection expert Gary Drayton made a promising find: a gold-colored object with a machined edge. While still under analysis, its unique characteristics suggest it may be an old coin or artifact, perhaps part of the fabled treasure.
Historical Echoes: 90-Foot Stone and Flood Tunnel Revisited
In a throwback to earlier legends, a lidar scan of the supposed “90-Foot Stone” showed faint carvings resembling the letters “LN,” though no full inscription was found. Meanwhile, dye tests once again hinted at active flood tunnels between Smith’s Cove and the South Shore, validating theories dating back to the 1890s.
Bone, Parchment, and Inked Artifacts Unearthed
Excavation at borehole H8 has yielded pieces of parchment with red and yellow ink, leather fragments, and even a possible human bone, reminiscent of those previously carbon dated to the 17th century. The ink patterns suggest the presence of illuminated manuscripts, perhaps from religious or scholarly origins.
Underwater Explorations Reveal More Triangular Rock Formations
Divers Tony Sampson, Alex Lagina, and Jack Begley visited nearby Apple Island, finding triangle-shaped boulders matching celestial star chart alignments. Further metal detection turned up a non-ferrous target, prompting a permit request for full investigation.
Mystery Deepens With Vertical Timber Wall
Finally, a vertically set wooden wall was discovered beneath Smith’s Cove—possibly untouched by past searchers. Its construction style echoes a wooden wall reported by Fred Nolan in 1969, believed to suggest an artificial swamp structure.
Artifacts Dated 1650–1800 Fuel More Theories
At Ross Farm Museum, blacksmithing expert Carmen Leg dated iron tools and hinges found at Smith’s Cove to between 1650 and 1800, including parts used in warves, platforms, and cribbing. One hinge, found by Gary Drayton, appears to have come from an ancient structure, perhaps part of the original depositor’s work.
Conclusion: A Chapter Closes, Another Begins
With concrete walls, triangle drains, ancient wooden slips, mysterious gold artifacts, and even bones and parchments turning up, the Oak Island mystery is heating up like never before. The team’s meticulous work has opened the door to a deeper timeline, possibly connecting the island to Roman technology, European colonists, or ancient engineers whose legacy still lies buried.
As the team prepares to dig deeper—literally and historically—viewers, historians, and treasure hunters alike await the next installment of The Curse of Oak Island with bated breath.
