Valley Ranger
Silver Member
- Mar 24, 2011
- 2,515
- 1,368
- 🏆 Honorable Mentions:
- 1
- Detector(s) used
- Minelab Equinox 800, Garrett AT Pro (2), Makro Racer 2, Garrett AT Pinpointer (2)
- Primary Interest:
- Relic Hunting
Ok, so here's the story. I was contacted earlier in the summer by a couple about an engagement ring lost in the James River here in Virginia. They had been canoeing when the canoe flipped near a bridge abutment and Mrs. lost the ring. So I met them near the spot a few weeks ago and I spent 2 hours with my metal detector searching for the ring in waist deep water. Couldn't find it. Based on what they were telling me and a float test I did with fishing line and a small washer, I believed the ring was in the faster moving current and deeper water - a place it where was almost impossible to use a detector unless you were using scuba gear.
So I offered to contact a friend (Steve) who is an experienced diver and is always up for a treasure hunting adventure. My friend and I went back to the river a few days ago. We didn't get in the water 'til almost 7 and didn't have much daylight left.
As I stood on the abutment pointing to where I thought the ring was, Steve snorkled along the edge and base of the abutment. He'd been in the water about 45 seconds when he popped up with a diamond engagement ring in his hand and very nonchalantly asked, "Is this it?"
"Very funny" said I. "What?" Said Steve. I was in total disbelief.
"No way! You've got to be kidding me! You brought that with you to pull my leg!"
"No, I swear, it was laying right on the bottom in plain sight!"
Mission accomplished.
So I sent a photo of the ring to the husband who said he'd show it to his wife and call me back shortly to verify it was the lost ring. A few minutes later my phone rang and, on the other end, was a very emotional, sobbing, but very happy and grateful woman shouting, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
What an adventure.
