Magnet Fishing Couple Finds WWII Artifacts, Guns, and Bombs in Michigan Waters

A couple from New York City, recognized on social media for their magnet fishing activities in local waterways, made an unexpected discovery during their recent outing. James Kane and Barbie Agostini, who have been documenting their magnet fishing exploits on their YouTube channel, reported to Spectrum News NY1 that they had found a safe containing two stacks of waterlogged hundred-dollar bills. The estimated value of the bills was $100,000.

Unexpected Treasures

Kane and Agostini expressed shock at their find, stating that they initially believed the safe would contain empty plastic bags, a common occurrence when retrieving safes. The discovery of actual cash inside the safe took them by surprise, with the couple describing the find as "big stacks" of hundred-dollar bills. However, the bills were in a deteriorated condition due to being soaking wet, as depicted in the video of their discovery.

Legal Implications

Following the discovery, the couple reached out to the NYPD due to concerns about potential legal implications. As the owner of the safe could not be identified, the police permitted Kane and Agostini to retain the water-damaged cash under the "finders keepers" rule. Despite being heavily damaged, the couple was allowed to keep the money, which they attributed to luck.

The Journey of Magnet Fishing

Kane shared that they began magnet fishing as a form of entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic, referring to it as the "poor man's treasure hunting." Their magnet fishing expeditions have yielded various finds, ranging from World War II grenades and 19th-century firearms to unexpected items such as a motorcycle and a purse containing foreign coins, pearls, and gold jewels. Their YouTube channel has garnered over 4,000 subscribers and approximately 1.4 million views, illustrating the growing interest in their adventures.

Similar Discoveries by Magnet Fishers

The couple's unexpected find aligns with a series of surprising discoveries made by other magnet fishers in different locations. These include the retrieval of a human skull padlocked to an exercise dumbbell from a New Orleans waterway, the recovery of a rifle and personal belongings belonging to a deceased couple from a Georgia creek, and the extraction of unexploded ordnance from the Charles River in Massachusetts. These instances highlight the diverse and often unforeseen nature of magnet fishing activities.