In the upcoming episode of The Curse of Oak Island, Caissons Ho!, the team embarks on a significant excavation to unearth the legendary Chappell Vault.
This episode comes after a week’s break from its schedule on the History Channel.
This endeavor follows months of meticulous research and preparation, marking a pivotal moment in their quest to uncover the island’s long-hidden secrets.
The Chappell Vault, named after early 20th-century treasure hunter William Chappell, is believed to be a critical clue in the Oak Island mystery.
Chappell’s 1897 excavation led to the discovery of a vault at approximately 153 feet, containing intriguing artifacts such as a hand-wrought nail and a fragment of parchment with writing.
These findings have fueled speculation about vast treasures concealed within the vault, ranging from pirate hoards to religious artifacts.
The Oak Island team goes deep into the Money Pit
In a preview of the episode, Rick Lagina emphasizes the importance of this operation, stating, “This is the culmination of a big effort by the entire team.”
The team’s determination is intense as they prepare to deploy massive caissons, which are large, watertight retaining structures, to penetrate deep into the Money Pit area, aiming to reach the elusive vault.
Using caissons is a strategic decision designed to provide safe access to previously unattainable depths due to flooding and unstable ground conditions.
As the excavation progresses, the team encounters a substantial wooden structure. One member notes, “We hit a lot of wood,” suggesting the presence of underground construction.
This discovery raises the possibility that they have located the original Money Pit, a site that has eluded treasure hunters for over two centuries.
The original Money Pit, first discovered in 1795, has been the focal point of numerous excavations, each adding layers to the island’s enigmatic history.
Did the Oak Island team find a diamond?
In the preview, a team member uncovers a gemstone during the dig. Upon inspection, Jack Begley exclaims, “Wow, is that a diamond?”
If this find is, in fact, a diamond, it suggests that individuals of considerable wealth or importance were present on Lot Five, a section of the island that has yielded various artifacts in past explorations.
The presence of such a gemstone could indicate connections to historical figures or events, potentially rewriting parts of the island’s known history.
Marty Lagina reflects, “So somebody of importance, of wealth, was on Lot Five.” This acknowledgment fuels the team’s resolve to continue their pursuit despite obstacles.
Viewers can anticipate a blend of historical investigation and real-time discovery in this episode.
Hopefully, the Oak Island team will make some groundbreaking discoveries, giving long-time fans hope that they will track down the treasure.
The Curse of Oak Island airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on History.
Chappell never found a vault. The folklore went something like this… oh, we were digging and we hit something really hard. But it was late, dark and we had to go to church the next day, so we stopped. When we came back, it was flooded. Those darn, pesky flood tunnels… you know. The ones that last over two hundred years, well longer than modern urban infrastructure. On an island no doubt… where they’re digging under sea level.
Does this not all sound incredibly dumb at this point? They have been digging on that island since 1849 (NOT 1795). When each duped outfit quit, they just buried all their stuff. Over and Over. Rinse and Repeat. They are digging up remnants from past digs in the money pit area. Wherever else they’re digging, it is simply to keep the franchise going. There has never been a rational nor historic basis to believe any treasure exists on that island. Did you know for most of the 1700’s it was owned by a commercial fishing company. People lived on that island. There is no mystery.