Brothers Reunited After Metal Detectorist Returns Ring Lost 47 Years Ago

A gold high school graduation ring lost in the Pacific Ocean nearly five decades ago has found its way back to its original owner, thanks to a dedicated treasure hunter and a transatlantic family reunion featuring a special connection from Israel.

The saga began in 1979 when Eric Benson borrowed a 1964 graduation ring from his brother, Paul Benson, who had received the keepsake upon graduating from St. Raphael Academy in Rhode Island. During a trip to the West Coast, Eric took the ring along and placed it on a rock near Seattle while spending time with friends. A sudden high tide swept the piece into the ocean, leaving Eric panicked and keeping the accidental loss a secret from his brother for years.

A Surprising Discovery on a Seattle Beach

Decades later, in November 2025, Seattle-area treasure hunter Lucas Thran scanned a local beach during low tide with his metal detector. Unearthing an aged ring bearing the initials PEB and the school's name, Thran contacted St. Raphael Academy. With the assistance of the alumni community, he tracked down Paul Benson and decided to fly across the United States to hand-deliver the heirloom rather than sending it by mail.

When Thran arrived at Paul's home, the owner was napping, only to wake up to the astonishing return of his long-lost treasure. Eric, who currently resides in Israel, booked a special flight back to the United States to witness the emotional family reunion firsthand. "He forgave me, but trust me, he never forgot," Eric remarked with a smile, while Paul emphasized the ring's deep sentimental connection to his family. With the heirloom safely back on his hand, the decades-long mystery finally drew to a heartwarming close.