FOUNDERS OF THE ONTARIO RING RECOVERY SERVICES
The Minds Behind the Recoveries: James Mathias & Ryan Pugh
Behind every lost ring, family heirloom, or historic artifact brought back to the surface is a combination of technical skill, patience, and unwavering dedication. As the foundation of Ontario Ring Recovery Services, James Mathias and Ryan Pugh have spent years turning seemingly impossible lost-and-found scenarios into successful reunions, serving communities across Ontario both on land and in the water.
James Mathias — Founder & Lead Detectorist
With over three decades of maritime experience as a commercial mariner, ferry mate, and captain, James Mathias’s connection to Ontario’s waterways runs deep. That expertise on the water seamlessly translates into his work as the founder and operator of Ontario Ring Recovery Services (also known as Kingston Ring Recovery Services).
Based in Southeastern Ontario, James is an avid relic hunter, shallow-water detectorist, and underwater recovery specialist.
Whether wading into local lakes or running permission hunts across historical properties, both James and Ryan utilize advanced equipment like the Minelab Manticore, Deus2, and other specialized equipment like surface-breathers and dive systems to recover lost gold, silver, and other priceless sentimental and valued items.
Beyond hands-on recoveries, James is deeply committed to growing and organizing the metal detecting and Ring recovery community. He is the founder and president of the South Eastern Ontario Metal Detecting Club, a self-published author on metal detecting stories & techniques, a sponsored National Brand Ambassador for Pull Tab Gear, and the creator behind the YouTube channel Relic Expeditions. For James, the real reward of detectoring isn’t just the target under the coil—it’s handing a long-lost piece of history or a beloved family ring back to its owner.
Ryan Pugh — Key Partner & Search Specialist
An integral part of the Ontario Ring Recovery Services network, Ryan Pugh brings relentless passion, sharp field intuition, and extensive technical expertise to every search mission. As the host of the popular metal detecting channel “Hoard of the Rings“, Ryan has documented countless historic digs, deep-water recoveries, and high-stakes ring searches alongside James.
Ryan plays a vital role in executing complex search grids, co-leading major joint recovery operations across Ontario—from crowded provincial park beaches like Sandbanks to shallow and soon, deep-water metal detecting missions with his surface breather.
His ability to analyze target signals, read terrain, and maintain focus during tough recoveries makes him an indispensable partner on the team.
Together with James, Ryan continues to set a high standard for ethical detecting, community outreach, and successful item retrieval, helping expand Ontario Ring Recovery Services through his social media platforms into one of the most trusted recovery networks in the province.
Together this dynamic duo is a hardened team and unstoppable force when it comes to helping to locate lost items.
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