Oak Island, long shrouded in tales of buried treasure and ancient visitors, continues to baffle and captivate researchers, with new discoveries adding unprecedented complexity to its already rich mythology.
Legends and Lethal Dives at Borehole 10X
One of the most perilous and legendary dig sites on the island remains Borehole 10X—a 235-foot-deep water-filled shaft first explored seriously in the 1980s by treasure hunter Dan Blankenship. Its 181-foot vertical steel-reinforced drop narrows to a 27-inch-wide tunnel, completely obscured by dark water. Divers Harvey Morash and Michael Garts attempted to explore it using a high-risk underwater communication system arranged by the Lagina brothers. But the dive turned chaotic when communication failed and panic set in at the surface.
After tense moments, Harvey resurfaced safely, describing harrowing conditions and obstruction by a massive 20-ton drill bar. Despite the setback, the team was more determined than ever—10X, they believe, holds crucial clues.
Roman Sword Sparks Global Debate
An astonishing claim surfaced when Charles Barkhouse presented what could be a Roman sword found off nearby Mahone Bay. Allegedly recovered in the 1940s by local scallopers, the brass or bronze sword’s hilt resembles that of ceremonial Roman gladii given to officers and gladiators.
Initial tests at St. Mary’s University revealed traces of copper, tin, lead, and arsenic consistent with ancient bronze. Yet later, more sophisticated analysis by Dr. Christina Bro found high zinc content—suggesting modern brass. The sword’s true origin remains disputed, with some arguing it’s an 18th- or 19th-century replica inspired by Roman designs.
Adding to the enigma, Roman-style crossbow bolts, a possible Roman coin, and even a lead cross—linked chemically to Roman-era southern France—have surfaced on the island, further fueling speculation of ancient transatlantic travel.
Excavating Shaft 2: The Hunt for the Original Money Pit
Rick and Marty Lagina, alongside Craig Tester and the rest of the crew, have recently turned their attention to Shaft 2, an early 19th-century searcher shaft located just southeast of the original Money Pit. If the team can match timber samples from the shaft to a felling date around 1805, it could provide critical evidence tying back to the earliest treasure hunters.
Dendrochronology tests are pending, but early signs look promising. Alongside that, metal detector specialist Gary Drayton uncovered a rose head nail—common in construction between the 1700s and 1800s—offering more clues to the era of activity in the area.
A Bizarre Glass Gem and Ancient Foundations
Archaeologist Jack Begley and Fiona Steel unearthed a curious gemstone-like hinge believed to be “paste”—an 18th-century French glass imitation of jewels. It was found near a man-made foundation laced with old mortar, identical in composition to soil found over 100 feet deep within the Money Pit area.
This suggests the site was reused and modified over centuries, potentially by multiple cultures. The presence of leaded glass and decorative hardware supports the idea of high-status occupants or treasure caches hidden across eras.
Ancient Ship Evidence in the Triangle-Shaped Swamp
More mystery surfaced in the swamp, where archaeologist Dr. Doug Simmons identified ship fragments and railing carbon-dated to between the 8th and 15th centuries—possibly Viking in origin. Combined with previous finds of ship-related wood, stone paths, and submerged structures, the area is a hotbed of archaeological significance.
The swamp may once have been open ocean or a docking area, potentially hiding the remains of ancient vessels linked to early transatlantic explorers.
Conclusion
With every passing year, Oak Island reveals more clues—and more contradictions. Whether it’s the mysterious Borehole 10X, strange Roman-like artifacts, or ancient ship remnants, the Lagina team presses forward. Digs continue on Lot 5, the swamp, and multiple shafts in search of the ultimate answer: who came to Oak Island first, and what exactly did they leave behind?
