A couple from Queens, James Kane and Barbie Agostini, were magnet fishing in Corona Park when they pulled a safe containing $100,000 in cash from the bottom of a lake. The safe was discovered to be ruined by water but contained two large stacks of hundred dollar bills wrapped in plastic. Kane and Agostini, who are experienced magnet fishermen, were shocked by their find as most safes they had previously discovered were empty, save for some plastic bags used to hold cash. The bills, unfortunately, were soaking wet and destroyed.
Kane and Agostini called the NYPD to report their find. When a number of police officers arrived to investigate, they were surprised by the unusual discovery. Unable to identify the owner of the safe, which was likely stolen, the couple was allowed to keep what they had found. Kane commented on the situation, stating that the “finders keepers” rule worked in their favor. The couple had started magnet fishing as a hobby during the pandemic as a way to pass time and satisfy Kane’s desire to become a treasure hunter.
Describing magnet fishing as “the poor man’s treasure hunting,” Kane and Agostini have made other interesting discoveries in addition to the safe filled with cash. Among their finds include a WWII-era grenade pulled from Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn and several guns, some dating back to the 19th century, in Flushing Meadows. Despite the destruction of the cash they retrieved from the lake, the couple was excited about their unique find and the unusual hobby of magnet fishing that led to it.
Recounting the moment they pulled the safe from the lake, Kane and Agostini recalled feeling something bulky on the end of the line that they had thrown in with a strong magnet attached. After prying the safe open and finding the cash inside, Agostini initially thought Kane was joking when he showed her the discovery. However, once she saw the actual money and security ribbons, she was stunned. The couple was thrilled by their find, even though the bills had been severely damaged by the water.
As experienced magnet fishermen, Kane and Agostini have a history of finding safes during their outings. Most of the safes they had come across in the past were empty, leading them to suspect that the one they found in the lake would be the same. However, this time was different as they uncovered a significant amount of money inside. Despite the condition of the bills, the couple was grateful for the unique experience and the entertainment that magnet fishing had brought into their lives during a difficult time.
Reflecting on their discovery, Kane and Agostini expressed their surprise at finding the safe filled with cash at the bottom of the lake. The couple had never imagined that they would stumble upon such a valuable item during their magnet fishing outings. Kane credited their perseverance in pursuing the hobby during the pandemic as the reason they were able to make such an incredible find. Though the bills were damaged beyond repair, the couple was grateful for the experience and the excitement of uncovering a hidden treasure in an unlikely place.
