Gary Drayton, Rick Lagina, and Jack Begley Uncover Artifacts as Hurricane Threatens Oak Island S11E16

In The Curse of Oak Island Season 11 Episode 16, titled “Dark and Stormy” and aired on February 27, 2024, new discoveries on Lot 5 offer tantalizing clues—just as Hurricane Lee forces a full operational shutdown. The team unearths possible 18th-century military artifacts, raising questions about pre-Money Pit activity.

Lot 5 Yields Artifacts Amid Incoming Storm

As Hurricane Lee approaches Nova Scotia, metal detection expert Gary Drayton resumes work on Lot 5 alongside Jack Begley, Jamie Kouba, and Fiona Steele. The team investigates a large stone foundation and spoil piles recently excavated from below the structure.

Using a large coil detector for added depth, Gary recovers a decorative flat button, possibly silver, which he dates to the mid-1600s through early 1800s. Moments later, they unearth a cuff button adorned with three cannons—a clear indication of military origin, possibly French, British, or Spanish. The discovery suggests not only a timeline but a potential military presence at or around the Money Pit centuries before its recorded discovery in 1795.

Potential Link to Money Pit Activity

Jack Begley speculates that such items may not just relate to who was present on Lot 5—but who may have been responsible for depositing treasure deep in the Money Pit area. The military context, the button’s age, and its proximity to deep man-made features provide a compelling reason to rethink assumptions about early activity on the island.

The artifacts, including the military button, are bagged for laboratory analysis, as their findings may help tie Lot 5 discoveries to the tunnels near the Garden Shaft.

Emergency Preparations as Hurricane Lee Approaches

Back in the War Room, Rick Lagina, Laird Niven, Roger Fortin, and other team members convene to plan a full temporary shutdown of operations in anticipation of Hurricane Lee—a Category 5 storm heading toward the island. Rick leads the discussion, emphasizing safety as the foremost priority. Laird outlines plans to secure excavation and archaeological areas, while Roger details measures needed to protect the Garden Shaft from heavy rainfall and flooding.

Key preparations include:

• Covering and securing excavation sites using tarps
• Placing protective lids over the Garden Shaft to minimize water ingress
• Shoring up vulnerable road segments near the swamp and shoreline

Roger notes that rainfall—not wind—presents the biggest risk, especially in areas where standing water could severely damage infrastructure. Pumps will be used continuously to manage water levels in the shaft.

The team agrees on a proactive approach, aiming to protect both personnel and ongoing work. With clear assignments and contingency plans, they reaffirm their shared commitment to safety and to safeguarding months of hard-earned progress on the island.

Cast and Field Roles

• Gary Drayton leads artifact recovery and provides dating expertise for the buttons.
• Jack Begley, Jamie Kouba, and Fiona Steele assist in site detection and analysis.
• Rick Lagina coordinates storm contingency planning and long-term excavation strategy.
• Roger Fortin (Dumas) oversees shaft protection and water evacuation planning.
• Laird Niven manages archaeological conservation efforts on Lot 5.