SCUBA Diving for Lost Watch in Fort Erie Marina
It’s not every day you get a chance to reunite someone with a prized possession lost to the depths — especially in the murky waters of a marina. But that’s exactly what happened at Point Abino, on the northern shore of Lake Erie.Last week, an Apple Watch slipped off its owner’s wrist while they were docked at the Point Abino Marina. Like many marinas on Lake Erie, the water there isn’t exactly crystal clear — years of boat traffic and natural sediment have left a thick layer of silt that clouds visibility even a few feet below the surface.The owner jumped in to find the watch but came up empty-handed. Not wanting to give up, they brought in a local diver who gave it a go under the same poor conditions. Unfortunately, the silt made visibility nearly impossible, and after several attempts, the watch seemed gone for good.
That’s when we got the call !
With my Garrett Vortex metal detector , I decided to give it a shot. I’ve only used the new Vortex a couple times but I trusted its precision — even in silty environments.
After scanning the area around the dock where the watch was last seen, and carefully combing the bottom to
avoid stirring up more sediment, I finally got a strong signal. I gently sifted through the muck with my hand and there it was — the unmistakable curve of an Apple Watch band, caked in silt but intact.
It was a rewarding moment. The look on the owner’s face when I handed it back made all the effort worth it. This recovery was a perfect example of how the right tools, patience, and a bit of experience can make the difference between a lost cause and a success story. The Garrett Vortex performed flawlessly, and despite the poor visibility, the Apple Watch made it back to its owner — still functional after its unexpected dive into Lake Erie.
If you’re ever dealing with a recovery in tough underwater conditions, don’t give up too soon. Sometimes, all it takes is the right gear and a little persistence.
