Sep 19, 2024

The Remarkable Recovery of a 1920s Family Heirloom

A family's sunken treasure is returned to the surface after almost a decade on the marina floor

At Scout Dive Service, we’re no strangers to the mysteries lurking beneath the waters of Marina Del Rey. From routine hull cleanings to the occasional search and recovery mission, our daily dives often reveal fascinating underwater tales. But every now and then, a dive turns into a heartwarming journey through time. Today, we’re thrilled to share one such story—a story of a lost family heirloom, a meticulous search, and a joyful reunion.

The Call that Started It All

It began with a hopeful phone call from a long-time Marina Del Rey resident. Eight years ago, during an otherwise amazing day at the marina, a precious glass paperweight slipped through his fingers and vanished into the depths. This wasn’t just any paperweight; it was a piece of his family’s history, crafted in the 1920s and cherished through generations. Despite the passing years, the memory of that heirloom’s loss remained vivid. With a blend of hope and nostalgia, he reached out to us, wondering if we could achieve the seemingly impossible.

The Dive Team's Determination

Our team at Scout Dive Service thrives on challenges, and this was an opportunity we couldn’t resist. Equipped with our dive gear and an unwavering resolve, we set out to locate the long-lost treasure. The waters of Marina Del Rey are familiar to us, yet the task was daunting—searching for a small, glass object among the silt and marine life is like finding a needle in a haystack. But our divers are nothing if not meticulous and determined.

The Moment of Discovery

Just when the search seemed endless, a glint of light caught a diver’s eye. Buried in the sediment, nestled among rocks and shells, lay the glass paperweight. It was a moment of triumph and astonishment. Carefully, we brought it to the surface, marveling at its preserved beauty. The glass, though weathered by time, still held the intricate designs and clarity that made it a unique piece of art from the 1920s.

A Heartwarming Reunion

Returning the paperweight to its owner was a moment filled with emotion. His eyes lit up with a mix of disbelief and joy as he cradled the heirloom in his hands. The years of waiting and hoping had culminated in this heartwarming reunion, and his gratitude was clear. He shared with us his plans to surprise a family member who believed the paperweight was lost forever, adding another layer of joy to this incredible recovery.

More Than Just a Service

Whether it’s maintaining the hull of a beloved boat or recovering a priceless heirloom, we approach each task with dedication and a positive spirit.

Thank you for entrusting us with your underwater needs. Here’s to many more dives, discoveries, and delightful reunions!

SCOUT
DIVE SERVICE

Hull cleaning and zinc replacement in Marina del Rey

Schedule Scout to come out and evaluate your sacrificial anode configuration to make sure you have enough, but not too much, zinc in place beneath your boat.