Lake District: Diver re-unites man with memories after he finds drone

Darren Fine, 50, from Ulverston, often goes out on treasure hunts in South Cumbria which include both diving expeditions and metal detecting. 

He particularly enjoys finding old artefacts and in 2016 managed to find an amazing King Charles I half crown on land that is now a housing estate. 

This week he got more than he bargained for when he went out to Coniston with fellow divers Elliot Owens, Paul Creary and John Plimmer.

The group visited Coniston on Monday and were surprised when the hunt turned out to be so lucrative.

Speaking after the dive, Darren said: "It's often rummaging around the shallow waters where you find the most treasure - and that was definitely true in this case.

"We found about five pairs of sunglasses, three paddles, goggles and amazingly a DJI Mavic Air 2 drone and a British Seagull Outboard Motor from a boat.

"We're really keen to get the drone back to its owner as it's a really expensive piece of kit.

"It can't have been down there long and whoever lost it must be gutted.

"Also, if there's pictures on there, we want to try and reunite them with their memories."

In the days that followed, Darren managed to get extract the SD card and pull off the photographs.

He then used 'the power of Facebook' by posting some retrieved images on his profile. 

To his amazement, a woman tagged a man from Bolton-le-Sands and said: 'That is you and your drone.'

Junior developer Jordan Hodgson, 27, then made contact.

Jordan said: "I was absolutely amazed, shocked and surprised. I took my dog Alfie along with my friend up to Coniston for the day and I'd crashed the drone into the waters.

"I was gutted as it's worth around £800. Honestly, I thought it was lost forever, which is why I’m so surprised to have it back.

"I’m so happy as now I can go and get it repaired."