Amidst the tranquil waters of a lake, a couple, James Kane and Barbie Agostini, embarked on an extraordinary adventure known as magnet fishing. Little did they know that fate had an unexpected surprise in store for them. As they cast their magnet, attached to a line, into the depths below, a heavy object tugged at its end. Curiosity ignited within them as they hauled in an ancient safe, its surface encrusted with years of submersion. With trembling hands, they pried it open, revealing a treasure that would forever alter their lives. Nestled within the safe’s confines, wrapped in protective plastic, lay a substantial sum of money – $100,000 in crisp bills. The discovery sent shockwaves through their being, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief.
Kane and Agostini, avid adventurers, had stumbled upon magnet fishing during the pandemic-induced lockdown, driven by a blend of boredom and Kane’s lifelong fascination with treasure hunting. Their previous expeditions yielded a World War II-era grenade in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and a collection of six or seven antiquated guns from the 19th century in Flushing Meadows. Magnet fishing, they discovered, was akin to a thrilling treasure hunt, but with a unique twist.
As experienced magnet fishing enthusiasts, Kane and Agostini had encountered numerous safes in their underwater explorations. However, these safes typically proved to be empty, save for the occasional plastic bag that once may have held valuables. This safe, however, seemed different. A glimmer of hope ignited within them that it might contain something truly extraordinary.
Kane, a seasoned magnet fisherman, remarked that the ‘finders keepers’ principle seemed to be working in their favor. To their astonishment, this safe was far from empty. Agostini initially believed Kane was jesting when he revealed the contents.
Recognizing the potential legal implications of their discovery, the couple promptly contacted the New York Police Department (NYPD) to report their find. To their surprise, the officers who arrived were equally astounded by the situation. They informed the couple that they had never encountered a case quite like it before.
After a thorough investigation, the NYPD determined that there was no way to identify the safe’s rightful owner and that it was likely stolen property. As such, Kane and Agostini were granted permission to keep the cash they had discovered, albeit in its waterlogged and partially damaged state.
Kane and Agostini’s remarkable discovery serves as a testament to the allure of adventure and the unexpected treasures that can be found in the most unlikely of places. Their story is a reminder that even in the most mundane of activities, fortune can strike when you least expect it.
