Rick and Marty Lagina Lead Massive Excavation in Oak Island Season 12 Episode 14 “Sinking In”

In The Curse of Oak Island Season 12, Episode 14, titled “Sinking In,” the team led by Rick and Marty Lagina takes a massive step toward solving the island’s centuries-old mystery. Excavation of the TB-1 shaft—also known as “True Believer 1″—progresses to an impressive 160 feet, edging dangerously close to the hypothesized Chappell Vault.

Backed by ROC Equipment’s Vanessa Lucido and SB Canada, the team drills through soft soil and voids, suggesting they may have penetrated an old tunnel system. The atmosphere is tense yet hopeful, with every scoop of the hammer grab potentially revealing a breakthrough.

Signs of a Tunnel and a Roman Numeral Discovery

As TB-1 reaches depths of over 110 feet, the team recovers short wooden timbers and a marked piece of wood bearing a Roman numeral “III”—an artifact that bears striking resemblance to materials from the U-shaped structure. This find excites the team, fueling theories that they may be excavating cribbing from the original Money Pit.

The Ground Collapses: TB-1 Faces a Dangerous Setback

At around 160 feet, operations grind to a halt when the caisson hits a mysterious obstruction. Moments later, the unthinkable happens—the ground begins collapsing around TB-1. Hydraulic systems hiss, and the team watches in alarm as material is swallowed into the depths. Jared estimates a 30-foot drop, confirming fears of structural instability below.

Marty expresses grave concern: with the oscillator perched precariously on weakened ground, the risk of a total collapse becomes dangerously real. The crew debates halting operations and backfilling the area to stabilize the site.

Will the Mystery Hold On Once Again?

The episode ends on a dramatic note, with Oak Island—once again—seemingly fighting back. Despite the promising signs of man-made structures and potentially vault-adjacent findings, nature intervenes, threatening to bury answers even deeper.

Key Cast Featured in Episode 14

• Rick Lagina – Co-lead treasure hunter
• Marty Lagina – Co-lead, primary funder
• Alex Lagina – Engineer and researcher
• Vanessa Lucido – ROC Equipment CEO, overseeing TB-1
• Gary Drayton – Metal detection expert
• Terry Matheson & Steve Guptill – Geologists and survey leads
• Jared – ROC operator managing caisson equipment

Conclusion: Stakes Higher Than Ever in Oak Island Season 12

With each passing episode, the Curse of Oak Island team inches closer to uncovering one of North America’s oldest unsolved mysteries. Episode 14 showcases not just progress but the ever-present peril of digging deep into Oak Island’s secrets. As TB-1 stands on the edge of revelation or ruin, viewers are left wondering—will the island finally give up its treasure?