Rick Lagina, Emma Culligan, and the Oak Island Cast Reignite Mystery with Lot 5 Find – S12E17 Recap

Season 12, Episode 17 highlights the sharp coordination and specialized expertise of the Oak Island team as they uncover a rare, riveted iron strap during excavation at RP-1. Gary Drayton’s seasoned instincts lead the initial identification of the artifact, which bears similarities to reinforcements historically used on treasure chests. The discovery, made at over 70 feet deep, reignites speculation about a direct link between the RP-1 shaft and Lot 5—an area where similar materials have surfaced in past digs.

As the find is analyzed and contextualized, it becomes clear that team members like Rick Lagina and Terry Matheson are central to interpreting its relevance. Rick draws attention to its structural implications, while Terry evaluates the material composition. The teamwork reflects a shared momentum that pushes the broader search forward.

Artifact Analysis and Emma Culligan’s Contributions

Elsewhere, the episode showcases the technical rigor of archaeometallurgist Emma Culligan, who performs in-depth lab analysis on an iron object recovered from Lot 5. Initially assumed to be a nail, the artifact is revealed through CT scanning and XRF testing to be a hand-wrought iron pin—crafted with minimal impurities and characteristic of colonial-era metallurgy.

Emma’s scientific findings, coupled with historical insights from Jack Begley and Helen Sheldon, confirm the artifact likely dates to the late 1600s through mid-1700s. These results not only validate the artifact’s authenticity but also provide compelling support for theories involving early colonial activity on the island.

William Phips and Historical Implications

The artifact’s estimated age intersects closely with the timeline of Sir William Phips, an Englishman known for salvaging the treasure-laden Spanish galleon Concepción in the 17th century. Jack Begley and Marty Lagina revisit long-held theories that Phips, along with Masonic associates, may have hidden a portion of this treasure on Oak Island.

Marty proposes further comparison of the Lot 5 artifact’s metallurgical signature with documented samples from the Phips collection. The team’s data-driven approach shows how historical research and modern science intersect to support new possibilities in the Oak Island narrative.

Shaft Six and Team Efforts at RP-1

While lab investigations unfold, Rick Lagina, Craig Tester, Steve Guptill, and Vanessa Lucido oversee critical progress in the RP-1 caisson. Excavation reaches depths of nearly 111 feet, yielding fragmented and adze-cut wood. The debris includes materials that may have shifted into Shaft Six following the 1861 collapse, suggesting the team is now operating within or near a historically significant structural zone.

The stratified wood types and cribbing elements recovered by the drilling crew and interpreted by Craig and Rick support the theory that RP-1 borders the edge of the original Money Pit’s construction. These contributions showcase the collective insights of the field team as they evaluate the geological and historical context of each layer.

The Fellowship Behind the Find: Cast Members Who Shaped Episode 17

• Rick Lagina – Leads historical interpretation and field strategy.
• Marty Lagina – Champions scientific rigor and historical alignment.
• Gary Drayton – Identifies and contextualizes the iron strap discovery.
• Terry Matheson – Provides geological evaluation of site materials.
• Emma Culligan – Performs scientific testing and artifact dating.
• Helen Sheldon – Supports lab analysis and historical artifact insights.
• Jack Begley – Connects dating results to known historical figures.
• Craig Tester – Assesses physical evidence from RP-1 structure.
• Steve Guptill – Coordinates precise shaft mapping and positioning.
• Vanessa Lucido – Oversees drilling operations and team safety.
• Scott Barlowe – Assists with material recovery and site coordination.

Final Thoughts

Episode 17 stands out not only for its material discoveries but for how each cast member contributes to the investigative process. From Gary’s field expertise to Emma’s lab precision and Rick’s historical intuition, the team’s collaboration illustrates the multidisciplinary strength behind the Oak Island search.

With the discovery of colonial-era artifacts, possible structural remnants of Shaft Six, and renewed confidence in theories involving William Phips, the episode builds toward a sense of shared purpose. The cast’s united effort exemplifies the modern-day fellowship determined to solve Oak Island’s enduring mystery.