rob ellis metal detecting Tag | The Ring Finders

Lost Ring Annapolis, Maryland…Found!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)

Rob Ellis: Underwater Ring Recovery Specialist. Call or text 703-598-1435

July 5th, 2020, Annapolis Landing Marina.

Nick was helping passengers disembark from a tour boat onto the dock when a child fell into the water. He immediately provided assistance, pulling the boy from the water. After the adrenaline subsided from the rescue, Nick realized his beautiful diamond wedding ring was missing. He had another diver look for the ring for several hours that night, but the diver was unable to find it.

Nick called me the next morning and we were able to search that afternoon. Even though Nick was up most of the night with the other diver, he was alert and very detailed in his description of the incident. After meeting and getting the marina manager’s support for my search from Ralph, I prepared for the search. The marina staff and the boat owners we met were very friendly and made us feel welcome. The marina certainly lives up to its slogan as the “finest and friendliest marina in Annapolis”.

Annapolis Landing Marina

 

The water along the dock is brackish tidal. That day it was twelve feet deep and I could not see a thing. I used a circular search pattern and slowly combed the area. With the noise of all the holiday weekend boats in the water and zero visibility, it was disorienting. I was glad to be tethered to my divemaster (Mrs.E) on the surface. There was the usual trash to be expected around any dock. After about 45 minutes, I heard a target and could feel the shape of the ring. We were so happy to return the ring to Nick!

 

I am a detectorist with over 35 years’ experience in detecting on both dry land and under water. As a skilled underwater search and recovery specialist, I am often called to search after inexperienced divers attempted to recover the lost object. Underwater searches require unique techniques and equipment. At a minimum, an underwater detectorist should hold Advanced Diver or Master SCUBA Diver certifications. I also recommend they be certified in Underwater Metal Detecting, and Search & Recovery. As a Master SCUBA Instructor, I designed and taught the first specialty certification course for underwater metal detecting. I have professional certifications to teach SCUBA divers in 4 internationally recognized certification agencies and thousands of hours of underwater experience. When you call me, we will discuss the specifics of your situation. If I do not think there is a good chance of finding your lost item, I will not accept your case. (703)-598-1435

Lost Diamond Ring Aquia Landing, Virginia…found!

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)

Rob Ellis: Ring Recovery Specialist Underwater and on land …Lost Ring?… Call or text 703-598-1435.

On Saturday, Esmeralda and Rey were playing with friends in the water. When Esmeralda reached to catch a ball, her beautiful 10th anniversary diamond ring flew off her finger. They searched for hours to no avail. The next morning, Esmeralda emailed me for help.

Metal detecting for artifacts in the area is unlawful. So, I contacted the Stafford County Government to get permission for the search. Even though it was Sunday, I was able to reach Brett. He was very understanding and told me it was no problem as long as I was only looking for the ring.

Beach before Crowds

I met Rey at the beach and he showed me where they thought the ring landed. The water was about waist deep and there were many families enjoying the shallows. Since the spot was crowded, it took more time than anticipated. I forgot all that when I found the ring in the scoop. I am so happy to have helped a couple of patriots like Rey and Esmeralda!!!

 

Ring!

Rey Smile!

 

Rey and Esmeralda were so kind to post the story on their local Facebook news. I have already been contacted by people who saw their post! I also appreciate their generous reward, a portion of which was donated to the Fisher House Foundation https://fisherhouse.org/.

 

 

 

I was happy to retrieve trash during my search. As you can see in the photo, I removed jagged metal and glass just waiting to cut some unsuspecting swimmer’s foot.

 

 

Lost Cell Phone Found After Fire, Fredericksburg, VA

  • from Fairfax (Virginia, United States)

April 20th, 2020. During the Wuhan virus pandemic. John called me to help find his lost phone. A few days prior, there was a fire in the wooded area behind his house.

What the fire looked like.

 

John assumed his phone fell out of his pocket while he was extinguishing the flames. To complicate the search area, the woods are bordered by a lake and the phone could have fallen into the water. The phone is precious to John because it contains many photos and passwords. He and his family searched through the ash for many hours, with no luck.

I packed up all the tools for land and shallow water detecting, and made the hour long drive. When I arrived, I put on my boots and followed John as he showed me the search area. As we were walking through the blackened trees and ash, I saw the phone next to my foot. I picked it up and handed it to John and asked, “Does you phone look like this?”

 

 

 

 

 

As you can imagine, John was in disbelief, and then elated. He couldn’t believe he had just walked past it. We went back up to his house and I could clearly hear his wife scream with delight. Although several people had searched the burnt ground for many hours, nobody else saw the phone. To me, the phone really stood out. I have a strong red/green color blindness. So, I have always seen things differently than most people. That may be why I saw the phone when others did not.

Smile!