#Kennebunkport Maine Metal Detector Rental Tag | Page 2 of 4 | The Ring Finders

Two Underwater Helical Anchors, Lost In The Saco River, Found With A Metal Detector, In Camp Ellis, Maine

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
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Back in the spring, I received a phone call, from Joanne. She and her husband, John were looking to find two helical anchor’s, that had once held their floating dock, in place. Approximately 8 years ago, they had the floating dock removed from the water, at the Camp Ellis, Saco, Maine property, on the Saco River. The property was near the mouth of the Saco River and was is a tidal river. The helical anchors would only be able to be found, by me and my metal detector, at low tide. Joanne and John wanted to know if I could find the anchors. I told them as long as the anchors were no more than 5 feet deep, I would absolutely give it my best shot. Joanne told me that at low tide, we should be no more than 3-4 feet deep, in the river water.

We’re the anchors now to deep, in the river mud and silt, after 8 years of just sitting, on the river bed? We wouldn’t know, until we tried. Joanne also told me that the search, would have to happen, sometime in the summer, as she and John would be returning to Florida. We agreed that they would call me when they returned to Maine and we would set up a date, to search, that would also be a negative low tide.

Fast forward to August, when John called me and we set up a date, to search for the helical anchors. The date we set was August 23rd, 2024, at 7:30am. This was approximately an hour before a negative -0.09 low tide. This would be perfect for what we need to do in the Saco River.

I arrived promptly at 7:30am and was met by Joanne and John. They showed me the area, we would be searching and if found, we would tie a couple of bouys, to the anchors, to mark their location. I then was told that there were large metal chains, that were attached to the anchors and if I could find the chains, under all the mud and silt, we could just pull the chains up and out of the muck and they would lead us, directly to the anchors. John even brought a long handle Cultivator Rake along, to rake the muck and silt, hoping to snag the metal chain, once found with my metal detector.

As John and I entered the river, we were pleasantly surprised to find the water to be very warm. I started searching the bottom of the river and within a few minutes, I received a very loud signal, in my headphones. The target wasn’t anywhere near where the helical anchors should be and John came over with the rake. He started raking, into the muck and soon snagged a large chain. This chain should lead us to the anchor. John and I started lifting the chain, out of the river bottom and followed it out, until it stopped. John reached down and found the chain was hooked to one of the anchor’s. WOW, that was easy, I thought to myself. The anchor lined up almost perfectly with the piling, on the right side of the pier, as we faced it, while standing in the river. John thought the other anchor should be to the left of this anchor and lined up with the other piling. So, I moved over to the other piling and searched back and forth, without any targets being found. After about 10 minutes of searching, I couldn’t find the anchor or the other chain. As Joanne, now in the river with us, started tying the buoy to the anchor we had just found, she came upon a chain that we thought was the same chain, I had found a few minutes earlier. We all thought that I should start searching to the right, of the found anchor, and not the left side, where I was searching . Within a few minutes of searching I received a strong signal and as John reached down, into the water and muck, he let us know that he could feel the helical and a chain. Awesome, we found both of the helical anchors. After Joanne finished tying the second buoy to the second anchor, we measured the distance of the anchors, from the pilings, just in case the buoys don’t hold up, through the  winter.

We then exited the river, with all the tools and detector, to rinse the muck off of ourselves. As we were standing around talking about what we just accomplished, I asked John what the cost would have been, to have two new helical anchors, in place, if we hadn’t found the two anchors, already there. John told me he wasn’t sure of the exact cost but they would be at least $1,000.00 each or $2,000.00 minimum for the pair. Thankfully John and Joanne won’t need to do that, now that the anchors have been found.

So, it’s not always jewelry, that I find. I have found water shutoff valves and property markers in the past and now I can add helical anchors, to the list. I’m just so thankful that I am able to help people like Joanne and John and save them some of their hard earned money.

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White Gold Wedding Ring, Lost In The Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine Sand, Found With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
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As I was contemplating mowing our lawn, I received the following text, at 12:02pm, on Saturday August 17th.

“HI! We are on goose rocks beach and lost a wedding ring :(“
I replied
“So sorry. Were you in the water or on the Beach (Dry Sand)?”
The reply came back
“Dry Sand. My husband feels like he knows the general area”
I replied
“Ok, Are you there now? Is the area he lost it, packed with people or will I be able to search now?”
She replied
“You can search now. I think it’s pretty open. I’m going to have him call you.”

I then received a call from Scott and he told me they were on the beach, across from The Tides Beach Club, on Goose Rocks Beach, Maine, in Kennebunkport Maine. Scott was curious as to how quickly I could get there. I told him within 30 minutes, depending on traffic, from my home, in Saco, Maine. I told him I just needed to get my equipment, in the vehicle and I would be on my way. I can usually get to Goose Rocks Beach, in just under 20 minutes, but today there was a Festival going on in Biddeford, Maine and I knew that the traffic would slow me down a bit.
Cheryl and I loaded the equipment and left for Goose Rocks Beach. We arrived approximately 25 minutes later and found a parking spot, just down, from The Tides Beach Club. As we walked onto the beach, a couple of women saw us with the metal detecting equipment and told us that they were with the group, that Scott was with. The women yelled over the group and Scott started walking towards us. While walking to the area, I asked Scott how he came to lose his ring. He told us that they had just finished having lunch, on the beach and they were standing around talking. Scott told us he was just standing there and while talking, he was fidgeting and spinning his wedding ring around his finger. All of a sudden, the ring slipped off his finger and he saw it fall into the sand. He searched the sand, along with others, in the group but they couldn’t find it. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but trust me when I tell you, it is not easy, visually finding a ring, while in the sand. Afraid of pushing the ring, deeper into the sand, the group stopped searching, for the wedding ring. Scott’s wife had known of my service and that’s when she texted me.
Scott showed us the area where they had been searching, for his ring, and I could see the disturbed sand, where the searching had taken place. I turned the Minelab CTX-3030 on and knowing this should be a fairly quick search, I didn’t extend my detector shaft, to full length, nor did I put my headphones on. I slowly swung the detector for about 30 seconds, when I heard the low tone I was hoping to hear and I told the trot that I believed the ring has been found c I pulled my pinpointer out and located the target, in the sand. It took me 3-4 attempts to actually pull Scott’s ring out of the sand, even though my pinpointer had located it. The group broke out in applause, as they saw the ring, in my hand.
Thankfully, I am able to help people out in their time of need. The ring had been pushed down to approximately 4 inches, under the sand and Scott would never have found it, visually searching. Thankfully, the group also stopped searching as they may have kept pushing the ring deeper or even outside the original search area. I was found an Engagement Ring, that was moved 10-12 feet outside the search area, because of all the walking, the searchers had done, in the area.
Scott is extremely pleased tonight and he is once again wearing his wedding ring. Me, I am also very pleased, for helping Scott and I got out of mowing the lawn, at least for today😉

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Prescription Ray Ban Glasses Lost In The Old Orchard Beach, Maine Ocean, Found With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
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Monday evening, August 12th, I received the following text

“Hey my name is Meaghan ****, I lost my glasses at Old Orchard Beach. Would your metal detector be able to detect glasses?

I immediately replied back

“Hi Meaghan, So sorry to hear this. I am actually in Raymond, Maine at the moment and if I do search for the glasses, it would have to be, first thing in the morning. But a few questions

1) When did you lose them?

2) Where exactly , did you lose them?

3) I have detected glasses, in the past, that have metal on them. Do these have metal on them?

Also, just to be up front, I do not charge for my Time or my Metal Detecting Service. I do however, require a Transportation Fee of just $10.00 to Old Orchard Beach. This is to cover my gas, tolls, wear and tear, etc..”

Meaghan replied back with,

“I lost them today at 3pm in the water right next to the pier on the left side, they do have metal. I have a picture of my sunglasses that are the same exact frame as my regular prescription glasses. I live in New Hampshire and had to go back down for the night but I can come back up to OOB in the morning to meet up with you.

I replied with, “

Ok, in the water means I need to figure out the tides, etc.. if I get a good description of the area, I can go down by myself, tomorrow morning.

I also want to let you know that once glasses are in the water, sand and surf, they are very, very unlikely to be wearable again. I have been metal detecting for almost 25 years and the glasses that have been in the water, sand and surf will  have scratches on the lenses and possibly bent frames. Just so you know. Not trying to discourage you from trying to find them but just want you to be aware of the strong possibility of the glasses not being any good”.

Meaghan replied with, “I kind of figured they would be unwearable, when I first get them back, if they are found. I did get insurance on them so I can get the lenses and frame replaced, Unfortunately the insurance I got does not cover loss.”

I told Meaghan that the insurance changes everything and I would absolutely attempt to find them. Meaghan told me the prescription glasses were in excess of $600.00 to replace but only if she can get her missing glasses back, because they weren’t insured for “loss”. She has replacement insurance for accidental damage but only if she still has the glasses. I just need to find them and save Meaghan, over $600.00.

I sent Meaghan a photo of the Old Orchard Beach Pier area, in which I made square areas and numbered them. I then asked Meaghan if one of the numbered sections, were the area she had lost her glasses. She replied

“I was knee high in the water when a nice wave took me out and then another took me under, so I wasn’t too far in. I was not even 100 ft from the pier on the left side of it. And I would not expect anyone to go in the water if it’s not safe conditions. It was section 8.”

I told Meaghan that the heavy wave action and rip currents, may keep me from going out into the water but that would be determined, in the morning, when I arrived, at the beach to search. I told her my plan was to arrive, at the Pier area about 9:30am, for an 11:38am low tide. I would search the slope , down to the water and if the glasses were not found, on the slope, I would enter the water and continue to search.

I did arrive, just prior to 9:30am and the beach was fairly empty. I immediately got to the top of the slope and searched horizontally, to the water. I was searching the slope, from the OOB Pier, to Surf 6, back and forth, back and forth, finding nothing but a few coins. I had been keeping Meaghan updated with the search and had sent some photos. She agreed that I was in the correct area and that the glasses shouldn’t be too far out, in the water. I entered the water and continued the back and forth, horizontal search. I went up to Surf 6, turned around, came back to the pier, turned around and headed back towards Surf 6. Maybe 50-75 feet from the pier, I received a broken up signal, in my headphones. Loud, but not a sold tone and definitely broken up and scratchy. I have heard this signal before and thought this just may be Meaghan’s glasses. I was now, knee deep in the water and though the waves were much calmer than they have been recently, I still had to watch the rolling waves, so I wasn’t surprised and get knocked around. I plunged my scoop, into the water and sand, pulled it up and nothing. I rechecked the hole, I had just dug and the target was still there. I took another scoop of sand and I saw the glasses fall out of the scoop, as I pulled the scoop, out of the water. I reached down as quickly as I could and grabbed the glasses, on the sandy, ocean floor. I then walked out of the water and took a few photos and sent them to Meaghan. She replied

“Omg thank you so much! I have to get gas and I will be on my way to grab them!”

Meaghan, who lives in the Manchester, NH area, told me she would be arriving approximately 12:45pm. I told her that I would be available to meet her, just let me know when she was close. When Meaghan arrived at the Hannaford’s, in Saco, I returned her glasses and she was so excited and happy, to have them back. She said she was heading right to the Optometrist and getting a new pair of glasses. I am so happy to have helped Meaghan save in excess of $600.00. I absolutely love helping people with my Emergency Metal Detecting Services and now, I have a new addition, to my “Book of Smiles”.

As with all clients, I will honor their wishes of not have their photos, published on social media. Meaghan has asked me not to use her photo and I will honor her wish.

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Third Generation Gold Signet Ring, Lost In The Old Orchard Beach, Maine Ocean, Found With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
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This is a continuation of Recovery and Return #62,

At 2:03pm on Wednesday, August 7th, I received a phone call from Lissa. She told me that her daughter, Kaitlin had just lost a Gold Signet Ring, approximately 10 minutes earlier, at high tide, in waist deep water. Lisa told me she and her daughter, were at the end of Seabreeze Avenue, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. I told Lissa that I had a 4:00pm booking, for a lost Wedding Ring, in Ocean Park, Maine, but would be happy to search for the Gold Signet Ring, as soon as I was finished, in Ocean Park Beach. I then told Lissa, I wasn’t sure what time I could get there because I wasn’t sure how long the Ocean Park search would take. I promised her, I would be there, as soon as the Ocean Park search ended, even if I had to search, in the dark. Lissa agreed and told me they would be going out to eat, sometime between 5:00 and 5:30pm. I asked Lissa to send me some photos and a video, of the area and I would start searching, by the photos and videos, if she was unavailable, when I arrived.

When the tide and heavy surf wasn’t cooperating at Ocean Park. I left my client my backup detector, at 5:00pm and told him I would be back, when the tide was out a little further. My client could continue to search, while I was gone. Cheryl and I then left for Old Orchard Beach, Maine and sent a message, to Lissa, telling her I was on my way. She replied that she and Kaitlin would meet me at the bottom of Seabreeze Ave.. Cheryl and I arrived about 10 minutes later and Lissa met us, at the beach access path and walked with us down to the beach. The tide was way out there, unlike Ocean Park and Kaitlin was already out on the wet sand, in the area she thought she lost the Gold Signet Ring in. Kaitlyn told us that she was waist deep and she felt the ring come off her finger. She tried grabbing the ring, as it came off her finger and descended into the water and sand, to no avail. Kaitlyn and Lissa, told us that the Gold Signet Ring was actually Lissa’s Aunt’s ring and Kaitlin’s Great Aunt and has her initials on it. The initials engraved on the signet ring are, LWM. The Signet Ring had been passed down, to Kaitlin and the ring has lots of sentimental value and they were very anxious to get the ring found and returned.

I then showed Lissa and Kaitlyn how my detector works and threw a Gold Test Ring down on the wet sand, so they could hear what it sounds like and to verify the detector is set up properly. I also showed them how I would grid search the area, that Kaitlyn had said the ring was lost in. I set up my boundary markers to overshoot the area by about 20 feet, on each side of Kaitlyn’s markers, just in case the ring had moved or Kaitlyn was a little off, of her area. I then started the search and went down to the first marker, took a 1/2 step over, to my right and headed back in the other direction. I then took another 1/2 step, this time to my left and headed back to the other end. A third grid line was then performed and still nothing, at all. I started my fourth grid line and about 5 steps into it, I heard a very nice low tone, the kind that get my attention. The sun was to bright and I couldn’t see the VDI numbers, on my detector but there was no way, I was going to pass up this target. I was so confident that this was the ring, that I yelled over to Lissa, Kaitlyn and Cheryl, “This may be your ring”. As they walked towards me, took a scoop of sand and threw it up onto the wet sand. I saw the outline of a Gold Ring, saw it was a Signet Ring. I reached down, held up the ring and told them, “I found the ring “. Lissa and Kaitlyn were in disbelief and ran over to me and they both gave me a big hug. They were so happy to have the very sentimental Gold Signet Ring back. They told me that the lost ring and me finding it, would dominate the talk at the dinner table, when they went out to eat afterwards.

So, a 3rd generation Gold Signet Ring, is back with the family and there are smiles, on everyone’s faces. I just love to be able to add another recovery, in to my “Book of Smiles”.

Now I had to get back to Ocean Park and search for Tom’s Wedding Ring. I had after all , left him with my backup detector, to continue searching, while I waited for the tide and waves to recede. To see the rest of Tom’s story, please go back and read about Recovery and Return #62. That’s right, his ring was found and The Ring Finders of Maine helped in returning 2 different rings, to 2 different people, on the same day, for the 2nd time, this summer. I just absolutely love helping people out, in their time of need.

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Wedding Ring Lost In The Water, While Tossing A Football, In Ocean Park, Maine, Found With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
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I received a phone call at approximately 1:20pm, on Thursday August 7th. The woman calling told me a Wedding Ring had been lost at Ocean Park, Maine, approximately 15 minutes earlier. After asking a few questions, that she was relaying to someone else, she put Tom on the phone. Tom had been tossing a football with a friend, about 40 minutes prior to the 2:00pm high tide. Tom told me he was in the water and when they stopped tossing the football around, Tom noticed he was no longer wearing his Black Tungsten Wedding Ring.

Since the tide was still incoming, I agreed to meet him, in Ocean Park, at 4:00pm. This would be a full two hours, after high tide and hopefully the tide would be out far enough to search for Tom’s wedding ring.
Then at 2:03pm, I received another call. Someone has lost a Gold Signet Ring, 10 minutes earlier, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. I told her, that I could come search for the signet ring, once I finished my search in Ocean Park Beach. Thankfully, the Ocean Park location and the Old Orchard Beach, Maine location were only 2 miles apart. I then texted Tom and asked him if I brought a backup metal detector, would he be willing to help search for his ring. This would speed up the whole process and with two searches lined up, Tom enthusiastically agreed.
Cheryl and I met Tom at 4:00pm and was surprised to find the tide was still very high. I set up both detectors and showed Tom the basics and even brought a Tungsten test ring, to show Tom the readings, on the detector and the sound.
Tom and I searched the slope of the beach but the waves were still very very rough and strong. After searching , for a hour, it looked like we wouldn’t be able to get to the bottom of the slope, for another hour or so, as the waves rushed up the slope, I asked Tom if he wouldn’t mind if I drove down to the next search, a few miles away. This would allow the Ocean Park tide to recede further out and hopefully, when I returned to Ocean Park, we could continue to search, further Dow the slope and onto the flat area of the beach. I also told Tom that he looked trustworthy and that I would trust him with my backup detector, so he could continue to search for his ring, as the tide slowly receded.
Cheryl and I then left for search #2. We arrived at the Old Orchard Beach location at approximately 5:25pm and Lissa met us. We parked the car and all walked down to the location of where Kaitlin, Lissa’s daughter had lost her Gold Signet Ring, in the water. The rest of this search, will be in my next story.
Cheryl and I got back in the car and headed back to Ocean Park. I saw a text come in from Tom and it said

“Found it! If you let me know where you are I can bring you your equipment”.

I replied, “That’s awesome. On my way”.

Cheryl and I arrived a few minutes later and met Tom. Tom told us that he did find the ring, on the bottom section of the slope and not the flat section. He also estimated the ring had already sunk, close to 9 inches, in the very soft, soupy sand. WOW! What a great recovery. Congratulations Tom!

Our goal at The Ring Finders is to get the clients lost item, back to the client. If that means bringing an extra detector or two, so be it. I find that when the client gets involved, they really enjoy the experience and when they end up finding their own ring, they are simply ecstatic. I am also ecstatic to be able to add to my book of smiles.

 

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Gold Wedding Ring, Lost Surfing At Scarborough Beach State Park, Maine, Found 3 Days Later, With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
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On Tuesday evening, July 30th, I received the following text at 8:20pm.

“Hi, I lost my wedding band this evening surfing at Scarborogh Beach. Given the story you have on your website, it looks like this kind of thing happens out there. Please let me know next steps and what your fees are, as I’d be very interested in having you help out.
And fyi I was surfing roughly in front of the beige locker/structure about 200 yards north of the lifeguard stand. I can take a picture of the approximate location tomorrow morning.
Thanks,
John”

I replied to John, with the following,

“John, So sorry to hear this. Let me see if I have a photo.
I will say, that the rough seas and rip currents won’t help. It could actually move the ring, some distance. Fortunately the sand at Scarborough Beach State Park, is extremely hard packed and it won’t sink very deep, in the next week or so, but could be moving, as I mentioned.
I don’t charge for my time or my metal detecting services. I do require a Transportation Fee, to cover my gas, tolls, wear and tear etc..
The tides will also have to come into play as the searches go much better, at low tide, so I can cover more ground”.

John agreed and I sent another text, with some questions, for John and he replied,

“1) yes, I was diving off my board and diving through a wave and it came off somewhere in that process
2) about 6:30pm tonight
3) I wasn’t very far out since it was about an hour from peak high tide so waves were breaking close to shore. I bet I was somewhere around where your scoop is in that photo, considering that it was high tide and I was mostly surfing in front of that beige locker.
4) Gold on outside, I believe white gold on inside, inscribed on underside with “forever”

I then looked at my scheduled commitments, tide charts and weather forecast. It looked like Friday 8/2/24 was the best day for me. Low tide would be at 4:15pm and I would arrive at Scarborough Beach State Park at 1:00pm and follow the tide, out, until 4:15pm. This would be almost 3 full days, since the ring was lost. Thankfully SBSP has a very hard packed sand, with lots of rocks and shells, just under the sand. This condition will not allow the ring to sink, out of range, for a few weeks. Unlike areas, in Old Orchard Beach, where the sand, in some areas is almost like quicksand and jewelry will be out of range of my detectors, in days, not weeks.
Cheryl and I arrived at 12:45pm and the line to get into the park was backed up, out onto the Black Point Road. The line moved quickly and once on the beach, we looked around and it was extremely busy, on this 90 degree day. We then walked down to the surfing area and set up our chairs and umbrella. Cheryl would have a front row seat, to watch me grid the surfing section.
I decided to perform a horizontal search, to the water and just follow the tide out. The tide wasn’t a very low, low tide, but from John’s description, I thought the tide should expose enough of the wet sand, to expose the ring.
After approximately an hour and twenty minutes, I caught up to the receding tide and decided to swing back up and start searching, via the same grid pattern, a little higher up on the sloping beach. I made one north and one south grid search and started my third one, when I received a very promising signal. A low tone and 12-13 on my VDI screen, signaling a non ferrous, low conductive metal. A great combination for gold, but also a nickel, foil and a few other common metals, could be under the sand. I plunged my scoop, into the wet sand, dug a hole and threw it up onto the surface. I couldn’t see the ring but something caught my eye, as the sun was hitting it. I wiped some sand off of the item and I saw a gold ring. Could it be John’s? I picked the ring up, rinsed it off and saw that it was both White and Yellow Gold, as John described. I looked at in inside of the ring, for an inscription. I saw an inscription of “FOREVER”, again, just as John described. I had found John’s Wedding Ring, in approximately 1 1/2 hours.
I then made a video and took a few photos and sent them to John. His reply,

“Incredible! Thank you so much. Just left you a message so look forward to connecting when convenient.”

We made plans to meet at the Saco Hannaford at 7:30ish. It was now just about 3:00pm and I was able to sit in the beach chair, under the umbrella , with Cheryl and enjoy this fine summer day.
Cheryl and I met John and his wife Jennifer at Hannaford’s and an extremely happy John, emotional Jennifer both gave me a big hug. They have been married for 21 years and they were just so happy to have John’s wedding ring back. John did tell us that he has surfed hundreds of times and this is the first time his ring has come off. John also told me it will also be the last time, as he will not wear it while surfing anymore. As we were about to leave, an overjoyed, teary eyed, Jennifer, presented me with a coin. From the DNA DOE PROJECT, the coin represents Innovation, Compassion, Integrity, Transparency and Service. I couldn’t be any prouder and happily accepted the coin, from Jennifer.
As Cheryl and I left, John and Jennifer were still standing, next to their vehicle, hugging and emotional. Knowing just how much the wedding ring means to John and Jennifer, I am extremely grateful that I am able to help people like them out, in their time of need.

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Sentimental, Inherited Gold Wedding Ring Lost, In The Water, At Sebago Lake State Park, Maine, Found With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
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On Friday, July 19th, I started getting some Facebook Messages and I was also being tagged m in a post, about a lost ring, at Sebago Lake State Park, in Casco, Maine. I replied to my followers, on the lost ring post, that I would try and contact her, to see if she needed The Ring Finders of Maine help. A few hours, after I had left her a message, I received a message back, from her.

“Hi this is Mary D****👋🏻
I don’t have a picture of the ring. I know where ish in the water where we were. I believe it got covered in sand. Are you familiar with Sebago Lake Park?
My dad would always bring us to the East area beach”.

Mary and I started texting each other and she was definitely interested in getting her ring back. She asked me how The Ringfinders of Maine thing worked. I told her that I do not charge for my time or service, but do require a transportation fee, thats it. This is to cover my gas, tolls, wear and tear, etc.. Mary then agreed to use my services.

Mary also told me that the lost ring, was actually her Father’s Wedding Ring and really wanted to find it. Mary’s father had passed, fairly recently and in fact, she had just received his ashes, a few weeks prior. Mary then explained that she had inherited her father’s wedding ring and wore it, sort of as a fidget ring,always touching and turning it around her finger. Mary had always taken the ring off, prior to entering the water, because it is to big for her. However, this time she forgot and while in the water, she felt it come off, dropping into the sand below. Mary, and a few others spent an hour, with snorkeling masks, looking and searching the sandy bottom, but no luck.

I then sent Mary an aerial view of the beach area and asked her what section she thinks she lost the ring in. Her reply, Section 5, was the section she was in. We then made plans to meet at 8:50am, near the entrance to the park. I would make the, just over an hour drive, from my home in Saco, Maine. The park opened at 9:00am and we wanted to be there, for the opening, of the park. We met at the prescribed time and I followed Mary, into the park and down to the parking area, next to the beach. I got my equipment and followed Mary, to the beach. Mary showed me the approximate area of where she thinks the ring, fell off her finger. It was approximately a 100’ X 100’ foot area and the bottom of the lake was nice and sandy. No vegetation or muck, just the way I like it.

I told Mary that I would go out, into the water, about mid stomach deep and perform a grid search, horizontal to the shore. I would complete the approximate 100’ length, take a 1/2 step over and search, going back towards the area, I had started in. I would continue searching this way, while working my way towards the shore. I had made 5 or 6 such passes, thinking to myself that this beach was extremely clean. I hadn’t had any targets of either Ferrous or Non Ferrous, other than a few, barely audible ferrous items, I didn’t bother digging. About 15 minutes, into the search, I finally received a very loud, low tone and it was a repeatable target. A very solid low tone. I immediately smiled, plunged my pinpointer into the water and sand and found the target. I scooped up a handful of sand, but nothing appeared. I grabbed another handful of sand and this time, I spotted Mary’s ring. Mary was in the water, with her Father’s sister, her Aunt. They were approximately 10 feet, further out in the water, from me, watching intently. As I brought my hand out of the water, I held the ring up and said, “I have found your ring “. Both Mary and her Aunt, rushed right over and I received a big hug from both of them and a high five, from Mary. They were both in a mild shock, that I had found the ring. Mary’s Aunt is her Father’s sister and she was very happy and may I say, a little emotional, that I had found her brothers ring. Mary was also very emotional, as I could see it, in her eyes and on her face.

Rings like these are worth so much more than money. These rings are family and blood. Nothing can replace these very sentimental items and now Mary can continue fidgeting with her father’s wedding ring, once she gets it resized. The ring was made, for her father, by someone that he knew. Mary said she would take it to that person and see about getting the ring resized.

I am also on cloud nine. There is no greater feeling, than to return a lost item, seeing the emotional reaction and the smiles. As we say, “Every Ring Has A Story “. Now Mary’s ring has just had another chapter, added to the story.

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NEWLYWEDS WEDDING RING LOST IN MAINE OCEAN , WHILE SURFING. FOUND WITH A METAL DETECTOR

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
Contact:

On Sunday July 7th, I was in Dover, New Hampshire, searching for a lost Engagement Ring. I checked my phone and saw, I had a text message, from 3:09pm. It was now 4:01pm. The message read as follows,

“Hello ring finders,

Hello, my husband just lost his wedding band at Scarborough, Maine beach this afternoon. I know what area of the beach we were swimming in, it was high tide and I’m thinking at low tide there will be a chance of finding it. Is this something you can help with?”

I replied

“So sorry to hear this. I am actually searching for a ring in Dover l, NH, at the moment. May I call you when I finish here and on my way home?”

The message came back as yes and I continued searching, in Dover, NH for another 1+ hours. During that time we messaged each other back and forth, as I had a few questions. I found out that the ring belonged to Riley and his wife Marybeth, had found out about my Emergency Metal Detecting Service and contacted me.

Marybeth and Riley had gone to Scarborough Beach State Park, for the day, to enjoy the beautiful weather and were surfing from approximately 11:30am to 1:15pm, when Riley noticed he was no longer wearing his wedding ring. They then got out of the water and searched the area, as best the could, but the tide was now, at high tide.
Once I got home from Dover, we started communicating again. Marybeth told me that she and Riley, were returning back to Scarborough Beach State Park and were performing a visual search, in the hopes they would find the ring. They were not able to find the ring and it was now, that Marybeth took a video of the area, they were surfing in and sent it to me. It was an extremely large area, perhaps 500-600 feet long and the width was approximately 150 feet. I sent her some aerial shots of the area asking her which area were they in, so I could better understand where they were. Marybeth also told me the following

“We were Past section 4 on your map, the surf section .
It’s a gold men’s wedding band that has a unique ridge/twist on it
We just got married a few weeks ago. We did a private ceremony and our reception party is coming up in August so we are really hoping we’ll have the ring back for that 🤞🏼
Thank you so much for your help!
1) the deepest we went out was 6 feet deep. I know that for sure because that’s how tall my husband is and the deepest we went was him just barely being able to touch the bottom

2) we know for sure it came off in the water. We went out surfing at 11:30 am and he was wearing it. We noticed at 1:15 it was missing and so we stopped surfing then

3) yes section 5

WHAT? NEWLYWEDS!!! Only married a few weeks and they have their upcoming reception party. I really need to find this ring, for them.

With the video to watch and the map now confirmed as Section 5, The surfing section, I told Marybeth I would arrive at SBSP, around 5:45am, to take advantage of the low tide.
I did arrive at the location, parked my car and walked down to the surfing section, a walk of almost 1/2 mile. Once I arrived at the Surfing section, I saw just how large of an area it was and came to the realization, I was going to be here, for a while. I decided the area was too big, to do all at once. I would cut the area, in 1/2 and start searching, mid beach, where the tide was now lapping over. I would perform a horizontal grid search, to the shore and search as much area as possible, just knowing, I could come back the next day and finish, if necessary.

Once I started my search, I dug a small hole and threw the sand up, into a pile. This would be my starting point and a marker for me. I always dig a small hole and make a small pile of sand, at the end of each grid line, turn around there, take a 1/2 over and go back towards the previous pile of dug sand, dig hole, turn around again and continue repeating this method, so as not to miss any area. It has worked well for me, in the past.

I had now searched approximately 50-75 feet, of my 1st grid line, when I received my 1st signal. It was a little scratchy , in sound, but the VDI was a decent 12-24, on the VDI Screen. Definitely in the gold range. I dug into the sand, with my scoop and threw it up, into a pile of sand. I couldn’t see any target, so I pushed some of the sand, out of the way, with my foot. I then saw a very small piece of something gold, in color. I reached down and it was a 14k Gold Ring and it looked just like the one, in the photos, that Marybeth had sent me. I absolutely couldn’t believe it. Not even two minutes and I had found the wedding ring. I just need to have Marybeth, to verify this was Riley’s Ring. So I made a video and even though it only 5:56am, I didn’t think anyone would mind, if I sent them a text, of the video. I then sent the video and 5 minutes later received a reply, from Marybeth

“No way! That is amazing!!! 😭♥️
Can you send another picture to confirm that’s it? It appears to be!”

After sending 4 photos and asking her if there was an inscription (There Wasn’t), I received another reply

“Yes that’s it! The only engraving would just be the 14k stamp. I am so grateful! ♥️ I will coordinate with my husband on when works best for him to pick it up from you in Saco.”

Thank God! Riley would be getting his wedding ring back, in time for his August reception. I can’t tell you how good this makes me feel, to be able to help people out, in their time of need.

Plans were made to return the ring to Riley, on Tuesday, July 9th, once he got out of work. When Riley arrived, he was just so happy, that he was getting his ring back. A ring, he put on his finger, for the first time, on May 8th, his wedding day. He told me that he thought he would never see that ring again.

Marybeth, texted me and told me

“Again, we are so grateful for you and all of your help! When we give a speech at our reception party in August, I am going to share this story and how grateful we are for you 🥰”

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Tungsten Wedding Ring Lost In A Maine Lake, Found With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
Contact:

On Monday, July 15th, I received a phone call from Dan. Dan told me he had lost his Tungsten Wedding Ring, 2 days prior, on Saturday. His in-laws had rented a house, on Little Ossipee Lake, in North Waterboro, Maine. They had also rented a pontoon boat for the week. On Saturday, they decided to take the pontoon boat, to a very small island, approximately 1 mile, straight across the lake. The water around the island had very clean and clear water. The sandy and rocky bottom, ideal for swimming, for the kids. As the pontoon boat, pulled up to the island, Dan’s 3 year old son was trying to get out of the boat and into the water. Since the water was still too deep for the children, Dan struggled to get his three year old, away from the side of the boat. Once he had that situation under control, Dan jumped into the lake, to pull the pontoon boat, closer to the island and the shallow water, so he could anchor the boat, to the sand and rock bottom. Dan said the struggling with his son, made his ring move about on his finger and as he was swimming, to the shallow water, he could feel the ring, sliding down his finger. He reached down with his left hand and was able to touch the bottom, but it was to late, the ring was gone. Dan had his father in-law throw him a pair of goggles and Dan scoured the bottom, for his ring, to no avail.

After having no luck, others tried find his wedding ring over the next few days. Snorkeling, moving rocks and sand, all proved to be fruitless. It was at this point, Dan found me online and called me. Since it was Monday, mid morning and I was on the road, we made plans to meet up, the next day, at 11:00am, at the lake house. We would take the pontoon boat, over to the island and search for his ring, with my waterproof Minelab Excalibur ll metal detector. His in-laws only had access to the lake house and pontoon boat, until Thursday morning. We had to find the ring today!!!

Cheryl and I arrived early at 10:30am and Dan a few minutes later. Dan’s father in-law, immediately started up the boat and we headed to the island. It only took about 10-12 minutes to arrive, at the island and Dan, like he did on Saturday, jumped out of the boat and secured the anchor. I then jumped in and Cheryl passed me my metal detector and scoop. As Dan walked me towards the area, he thought his ring would be in, I was swinging and searching, with the detector. No targets on the walk over. Once at the spot, I almost immediately received a signal, but it did not sound, like tungsten. I need to check it out anyways, just to be sure. It turned out to be a beer bottle cap. I resumed swinging and two steps later, a nice loud low tone, the sound I was hoping for. Looking down, into the very clear water, provided no visual indication as what it may be. I then bent over, as far as I could and my face, ended up in the lake. I brought the hand held scoop up and no ring, but lots of small rocks. I then took out my pinpointer and located the target. I held the pinpointer on the target and had Dan check the target out, with his goggles. He couldn’t see the ring but he then scooped up the area, where I held the pinpointer. Nothing but more rocks. I tried relocating the target, but it had moved, on Dan’s last attempt, to scoop it up. Once, relocated, we both attempted to scoop it up and nothing but rocks. I relocated it once again and this time, Dan disappeared below the surface, with the scoop and came up with a good size scoop of rocks. Would the ring be in there? I could no longer find the target, on the bottom of the lake. Whatever it is, it’s in the scoop. As Dan was removing the rocks, I saw a very big smile, come across his face. I looked into the scoop and Dan was pulling out his ring. We had found it, in about 2 minutes but it took us another 7-8 minutes to get it off the bottom of the lake.
After loading all the detecting equipment, back up on the boat, Dan told us he hadn’t bought a new ring yet and was extremely happy to be able to tell his wife, that he wouldn’t need a new ring after all. It was a great ride back to the lake house. The entire trip, from leaving the dock, searching and recovering the ring and docking, at the lake house took a total of, 36:44. Less than 40 minutes, really surprised me. A beautiful day for a boat ride, in Maine and it ended with another client, in my “Book of Smiles”.

Later, in the afternoon, I received the following text, from Dan,

“Dennis, I am truly the thankful one! Honestly I couldn’t have imagined a better experience or outcome for my lost ring resolution. Would easily and without a doubt recommend your expertise to others. Appreciative is an understatement and I cannot thank you enough”.

I absolutely love being able to help people out, like Dan, in their time of need. It’s the best feeling in the world ❤️🙏

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Platinum Engagement and Wedding Ring, Lost In Gorham, Maine Backyard, Found With A Metal Detector

  • from Old Orchard Beach (Maine, United States)
Contact:

Return and Recovery #47

On Saturday, July 13th, I had just returned from Bridgton, Maine, after recovering a ring, in the water. As I was writing the story about that recovery and return, I saw a text message, come in, at 2:26pm. It read

“Hi Dennis, my name is Kelly. I’m located in Gorham, ME. I lost my wedding ring in my backyard last night. Been searching for hours with no luck. What would your schedule look like for a search”?

I immediately called Kelly and told her I was available right now. Kelly went on to tell me that she and her family were out on the back patio and at one point, she was tossing a ball back and forth, with one of her children. Later, she realized her ring was missing. They searched the grass area, where they were tossing the ball, on their hands and knees. No luck. Then, this morning, they rented a metal detector and searched the area. Again, no luck. Kelly also told me that her ring is actually her Engagement Ring and her Wedding Ring and she had them joined together, by a jeweler, to make this just one ring.

Cheryl and I got my equipment loaded back up and headed to Kelly’s home. We arrived at 3:30pm and Kelly was there waiting for us. She took us out back and showed us the backyard and where she was standing, while throwing the ball. We all agreed that this was the most likely scenario, to losing the ring, but not the only scenario. I decided to start searching , appropriately mid yard and perform a grid search, down to the tall overgrown area, near the woods. I would then turn around, and head back towards the house. I would repeat this grid search, until I found the ring or eliminated that half of the yard. I would then try the other half of the yard. If I didn’t find it there, I would then move further from the house, into the overgrown area and then the wooded area.

I started my first sweep of the area and the only target I received was something in the ground, most likely a sprinkler head, for their irritation system. Once I got to the overgrown area, I turned around and headed back towards the house. Still nothing. I took a 1/2 step to my right and headed back towards the overgrown area and woods. I took about 2 steps towards those areas and I received a nice loud low tone and a reading of 12-07 on my VDI screen. I looked into the fairly tall grass but couldn’t see anything. I turned to Kelly and told her, “I am pretty sure this will be your ring”. I bent over, started moving the grass around and saw a bright shiny ring. I had Kelly come over and told her the ring is right there. She still couldn’t see it, because the ring had gotten, all the way down, to the dirt and was totally covered by the tall grass. I reached down, picked it up and you could just see and feel the relief, come over Kelly’s face. She was extremely thankful and continued to thank us, up until we left. Kelly did tell us that the ring, is loose on her finger and she will be addressing that issue, very soon.

Total search time was approximately 5 minutes and it was now close to 4:00pm. My second recovery and return of the day and I was ready to get home, cool off and relax. It’s been a long day, but very fruitful one and I am so fortunate, to be able to help all these people.

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