Rick Lagina and Gary Drayton Uncover Centuries-Old Pottery on Oak Island

In Season 11, Episode 11 titled “Plugged Up”, which originally aired on January 23, 2024, the Oak Island team—led by brothers Rick and Marty Lagina—returns to the triangle-shaped swamp, a recurring locus of curiosity. The target this time is a section of the southern shore, where earlier discoveries of a hand-wrought chain and hook had hinted at 16th-century maritime activity.

Gary Drayton, the team’s accomplished metal detection expert, is joined by Rick Lagina as they carefully excavate an area adjacent to the old stone road. Their work uncovers a cache of pottery fragments—some with ornate glazing and decorative handles—buried beneath layers of peat and sand. The progression of the dig suggests a compelling pattern: the deeper they go, the older and more refined the ceramics appear to be.

A Geologist’s Hypothesis: Dr. Ian Spooner’s Observations

Dr. Ian Spooner provides a geological interpretation of the site’s sediment layers. By identifying alternating bands of peat and sand—an arrangement that deviates from natural deposition—he raises the possibility of human intervention. His working theory is that peat was deliberately laid over the sand to stabilize the area for unloading ships, perhaps as part of a larger concealment effort. This assessment strengthens the broader theory that the Oak Island swamp was manipulated to support covert operations centuries ago.

Uncovering Ceramic Clues to the Past

The pottery fragments are more than just aesthetic relics; they are archaeological indicators. Rick Lagina comments on the possibility of reconstructing entire vessels, a process that could allow researchers to trace their provenance. Gary Drayton notes that some pieces exhibit a leaf-like design, indicating craftsmanship possibly linked to wealth or ceremonial use. As the team recovers multiple decorated shards, the likelihood of an important historical context increases.

The presence of finely glazed pottery—some with potential maker’s marks—suggests intentional placement or disposal, potentially dating back to early European activity in the region.

Cast Contributions: A Collective Push Toward Discovery

• Billy Gerhardt, who appears in this episode operating the excavator, assists in uncovering stratified soil layers during the dig.
• Rick Lagina remains the philosophical heart of the excavation, emphasizing careful recovery and contextual analysis.
• Gary Drayton brings precision and enthusiasm to every find, interpreting the physical clues with an eye trained by years of fieldwork.
• Dr. Ian Spooner offers a data-driven interpretation of the site, adding layers of meaning to what at first seems geological.

Season 11, Episode 11 of The Curse of Oak Island presents a quiet yet revealing moment in the ongoing search. The recovered pottery—some potentially centuries old—adds dimension to the idea that Oak Island was more than a hiding spot; it may have been a carefully orchestrated terminal point for valuable cargo. With each artifact, the team deepens its understanding of the island’s role in early exploration or secretive endeavors. The mystery remains unsolved, but the pieces—quite literally—are coming together.