Diver Finds Graduation Ring Lost in the Ocean for Nearly 50 Years, Surprises Its Owner

Just before Morgan Perigo’s 83rd birthday, he received an unexpected package at his doorstep—a long-lost 1965 McMaster University graduation ring that had vanished in the ocean nearly 50 years ago.

This remarkable reunion was made possible by Alex Davis, a professional diver and spear fisherman based in Barbados. While checking webcams on a calm tourism day, Davis noticed that Hurricane Beryl had shifted sand along the coastline, exposing areas that typically lay buried. Intrigued by what the storm might have uncovered, he decided to investigate with his metal detector, expecting to find typical beach debris.

Initially, Davis encountered a few coins and miscellaneous metal objects. However, a distinct tone from his metal detector caught his attention, signaling something made of gold. After digging through sand and coral, he uncovered a gold ring with a dark red stone. Upon closer inspection, Davis noticed the engraving: “McMaster University 1965,” along with the initials “FMP.”

Knowing he had found something valuable and potentially sentimental, Davis embarked on a mission to return the ring to its owner. He reached out to McMaster University’s alumni office, where Karen McQuigge, director of alumni engagement, and her team identified the ring’s owner as Frederick Morgan Perigo. Luckily, Perigo had maintained his contact information with the university over the years, allowing the alumni team to notify him of the incredible find.

Perigo was astounded. He had lost the ring in 1977 during a family trip to Barbados when he dove into the ocean to rescue his son from a wave. In the process, the ring had slipped off his finger, disappearing into the water.

The timing was perfect. Davis reached out to Perigo, learning of his upcoming birthday and arranging for the ring to be shipped in time for the occasion. The sentimental reunion was a gift Perigo never expected, almost 47 years after the ring had slipped away.

Davis, who described the experience as profoundly rewarding, would gladly undertake a similar mission if he ever found another ring with identifying details. For McQuigge, the story symbolizes the lasting value people place on these mementos, noting that Perigo had worn the ring for over a decade before it was lost.