Ep 2. The Great Feud

In The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down season 6 episode 2 titled "The Great Feud," host Matty Blake delves deeper into the famous rivalry between two treasure hunters, Dan Blankenship and Fred Nolan. The episode explores the origins of their feud and the impact it had on their search for treasure on Oak Island.

Matty begins by introducing the two men and their differing approaches to treasure hunting. Dan Blankenship, who passed away in 2019, was a veteran treasure hunter who believed in the island's supernatural powers and the need for a spiritual connection to find the treasure. Fred Nolan, on the other hand, was a surveyor who focused on the scientific and historical aspects of the island.

The episode explores how their feud intensified in the 1980s when Nolan acquired a large portion of the island and began conducting his own excavations. Blankenship, who had been exploring the island for decades, felt threatened by Nolan's presence and became increasingly hostile towards him.

Matty interviews several people who knew both men, including historian Charles Barkhouse and treasure hunter David Tobias. They provide insight into the complex personalities of Blankenship and Nolan and the impact of their feud on the Oak Island treasure hunt.

The episode also includes footage from the original Curse of Oak Island series, showcasing some of the tense moments between Blankenship and Nolan. This includes a heated confrontation in which Nolan accuses Blankenship of sabotaging his excavations.

Matty also explores some of the theories surrounding the treasure on Oak Island and how Blankenship and Nolan's differing approaches played a role in their inability to find it. He speaks with geologist Terry Matheson, who discusses the geological formations of the island and how they could impact the search for treasure.

Throughout the episode, Matty provides commentary and analysis, highlighting the drama and intrigue of Blankenship and Nolan's feud. He also reflects on the legacy of Dan Blankenship, who was a beloved figure in the Oak Island treasure hunting community.

Overall, "The Great Feud" is an informative and engaging episode that explores the human element of the Oak Island treasure hunt. By delving into the personalities and motivations of Blankenship and Nolan, it sheds light on the complex dynamics that have fueled the search for treasure on Oak Island for centuries.