Rick and Marty Lagina Unearth a 17th-Century Mystery in Oak Island’s AC-1 Shaft

In The Curse of Oak Island Season 12, Episode 16 titled “Open Sesame,” Rick and Marty Lagina focus on excavating a new target shaft—AC-1—after the collapse of TB-1. Their efforts pay off when the team strikes a large deposit of old timbers nearly 100 feet underground. According to Rick and metal-detecting expert Gary Drayton, the wood appears hand-hewn and lacks iron fasteners, suggesting it might predate earlier known constructions.

Is It a Searcher Shaft or Something More?

As the crew debates whether this newly discovered tunnel was part of a prior search effort or a centuries-old structure used to deposit treasure, excitement mounts. Gary notes the craftsmanship of the timber seems older, and Rick emphasizes how significant such an undisturbed tunnel could be, especially if it’s linked to treasure burial rather than exploration.

The Spike That Could Rewrite the Island’s Timeline

Adding to the intrigue, an iron spike is discovered in the spoils from the shaft. The object is examined by Emma Culligan, who uses CT scans and XRF to determine that it’s a hand-forged wrought iron rosehead nail, likely produced using charcoal-fueled furnaces—indicating an English origin and dating it to the mid-1700s or earlier, possibly even the 1600s.

Gary and the rest of the team speculate whether this iron piece could’ve once fastened a treasure chest. It’s a thrilling find that aligns with long-held theories linking Oak Island to 17th-century treasure operations.

A Nod to Sir William Phips

Doug and Rick suggest the timeline fits the exploits of Sir William Phips, a 17th-century English treasure hunter who recovered silver from the Spanish galleon Concepción. Documents and historical letters even place Phips’ associate Andrew Belcher near Mahone Bay around the time the ship’s second recovery yielded less treasure than expected—raising the theory that some of that treasure was diverted and buried on Oak Island.

Could Aladdin’s Cave Hold the Answers?

The team discusses whether the shaft may connect to the legendary “Aladdin’s Cave”—a hypothesized treasure chamber. With evidence mounting in AC-1 and Lot 5, including other tools and bricks of similar vintage, Rick Lagina remarks that they may be on the verge of something extraordinary. The team shares a final moment of anticipation, chanting “Open sesame” as they prepare to press forward.

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the Lagina brothers’ persistence and the layered history beneath Oak Island’s soil. With each shaft revealing deeper mysteries, The Curse of Oak Island Season 12 continues to suggest that the Money Pit may contain far more than myth—it may contain tangible links to 17th-century treasure hunters and secret caches waiting to be unearthed.