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Diver Discovers Lost Graduation Ring After Nearly 50 Years Underwater

A Barbadan dive instructor reunites a long-lost McMaster University graduation ring with its owner, highlighting the power of perseverance.

By Hank SandersSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

In a heartwarming discovery, Alex Davis, a Barbados-based dive instructor, retrieved a 1965 graduation ring that had been submerged in the ocean for nearly five decades, showcasing both luck and determination.

On a serene October morning, Alex Davis, a dive instructor and metal detection enthusiast, set out into the warm waters off Barbados’ southern coast as part of his regular diving routine. Equipped with his trusty metal detector, he typically uncovers mundane items like bottle caps and rusted nails. However, on this particular dive, an unmistakable beep signaled the discovery of something extraordinary.As Davis positioned himself underwater, he felt a rush of excitement when he uncovered a gold ring — a graduation ring from McMaster University, lost nearly half a century prior. The ring bore the year 1965, the university's name, and a polished maroon stone at its center, likely a garnet, matching the school’s colors. “I felt like Sméagol from ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” Davis said, reflecting on the thrill of finding the treasured piece.Upon returning home, Davis inspected the ring more closely and discovered initials engraved on the inside: FMP. Recognizing an opportunity to reconnect the artifact with its rightful owner, he reached out to McMaster University’s alumni association for assistance. This touching story serves as a reminder of the enduring connections we share and the surprising finds that can grace our paths, even in the depths of the ocean.

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