It started like any other day — a sunny afternoon, crystal-clear water, and my gear ready for a little underwater adventure. I love exploring rivers and lakes, often finding lost sunglasses, GoPros, and the occasional ring. But nothing prepared me for the treasure I was about to discover on this dive: over $5,000 worth of iPhones sitting right there on the riverbed!
As I slipped into the cool water and began my search, I noticed a glint of something metallic half-buried in the sand. Brushing away the dirt, I couldn’t believe my eyes — an iPhone! It was still in its case, and while it looked waterlogged, I knew there was a chance it could still work. I carefully slipped it into my waterproof bag and kept going.
Minutes later, I spotted another one — then another. Before I knew it, I had found a total of six iPhones scattered across the riverbed. Some were newer models like the iPhone 13 and 14, and a couple were older, but still valuable. The strangest part? They were all clustered in the same area, making me wonder how they all ended up there. A lost bag? A boating mishap? The mystery only added to the excitement.
Once I surfaced and spread out my findings on the shore, I realized the combined value of these devices easily exceeded $5,000. Of course, most of them were water-damaged, but I knew from experience that some might still power on after a thorough drying and cleaning process. Even the ones that wouldn’t turn on could be sold for parts.
But the story didn’t end there. I always make an effort to return lost valuables when I can, so I started the detective work. Using any visible serial numbers and SIM cards, I reached out to the rightful owners. A few were shocked and thrilled to hear their phones had been recovered — one person had lost theirs during a kayaking trip months earlier!
For the phones I couldn’t trace back, I documented the find in a video, showing the adventure and the unexpected haul. The response was incredible — viewers were amazed at the sheer number of phones and the idea that so much tech could be hiding beneath the surface.
This experience reminded me why I love underwater treasure hunting so much. It’s not just about the value of what you find — it’s the thrill of discovery, the joy of returning lost items, and the stories that come with every single dive. And who knows? Maybe next time, I’ll find an even bigger treasure waiting beneath the waves.
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