Washburn Island, Massachusetts: Lost Ring Found and Returned

A long time favorite beach of Katie and Chris, Washburn Island is only accessible by boat as there are no bridges. I had often thought about tripping to the island myself but never made solid plans.

I had been contacted via J&E Enterprises, my detector dealer, about a lost ring on the Island. Sure I would go. After Katie contacted me about her husband’s lost ring and told me pertinent information such as area and time of loss, item material etc. we made plans to make a recovery trip on Sunday. All was fine until King Neptune sent in high waves along with Mother Natures high winds which shut down the marina. No boat could leave the docks on Sunday. Next plan was for a Friday trip with low tide and predicted weather being much more favorable.

Friday came and so did moderate seas with 2-3 foot waves., it was a go. Chris the owner of the lost ring, knew where we were going. Twice I heard him say NO, the next inlet, around the NEXT curve. Well he would be proven correct, He beached the boat and told me the ring was lost within 15 feet of the boat, as he remembered it should be in the water, not on the sandy beach.

I drew marker lines in the sand made two passes and on the third I heard the beautiful tone of gold. One shallow scoop and shake or two and I walked to Chris and let him remove his ring from the scoop. He did so in total disbelief. Then without much ta-do, he was off running down the beach to where Katie had walked with their dog Mauricio. It was a wonderful sight, the reason I enjoy my hobby, the love of people and the happiness I can bring them after a traumatic happening such as a lost wedding band..

By the way, it was Mauricio who had just been lifted into the boat before Chris’s ring slipped off his finger. My thanks must go out to him for this wonderful experience.