James Kane and Barbie Agostini from New York were astonished during their magnet fishing trip at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens last Friday, May 31. Like many who adopted new hobbies during the pandemic, they found magnet fishing to be a fun and straightforward way to pass the time, hoping for a valuable find eventually. This activity, which involves attaching a powerful magnet to a fishing line, proved successful when they discovered a ‘mystery box’ filled with money during their latest river outing. Their find left them more than just pleasantly surprised.
James Kane and Barbie Agostini were in disbelief when their magnet fishing haul in Queens included a metal safe containing an astonishing £78,000 (equivalent to $100,000). James told NY1 that finding safes wasn’t unusual for them, but this time it was different: “We’ve retrieved numerous safes before, but this was exceptional.
We found two large bundles of hundred-dollar bills.” Barbie also expressed her shock, saying she was overwhelmed by the discovery. Unfortunately, the cash was water-damaged. After reporting the find to the NYPD, they were informed that no criminal activity was linked to the money.
Last month, the Glasgow Magnet Fishing group, led by Mark McGeachin and his son James, retrieved several hazardous items from the water, including machetes, axes, and a samurai sword. Mark, who founded the group in 2019 when James was just six, told the Mirror how James once pulled a large samurai sword from the Union Canal near Sighthill in Edinburgh.
Mark estimates the group finds around 100 items annually. He revealed, “Since the start of 2024, we’ve turned over seven firearms to the authorities. We immediately call 999 upon discovering any.”
Mark also recalled an incident in Maryhill where they found a machete, ski mask, and gloves bundled and taped together, prompting an immediate police report. He reflected on the seriousness of their finds, suggesting that they could potentially help solve crimes and provide families with much-needed closure.