Detectorist plan reunites honeymooners with lost ring

Tuesday 07 June 2022

A newly married couple from the UK whose honeymoon bliss was disrupted when the groom lost his wedding ring at Portelet Bay have had their post-nuptial vacation saved by a local hotel porter and a metal detectorist.

Richard Whetter, who had travelled from Bristol to Jersey with new wife Anne, recalled how his "heart sank" as soon as he realised "the ring was no longer on my hand and that it was likely I lost it on the beach."

"After searching for it ourselves we returned to the hotel assuming it was lost forever."

Upon their return, Richard and Anne relayed their story to The Atlantic Hotel's Senior Hall Porter Nathan Rowland.

Pictured: Richard Whetter thought the ring was "lost forever" at Portelet.

Rather than offer his commiserations, Nathan swiftly jumped into action and contacted a local metal detectorist to seek assistance in finding the ring.

"I initially received a call from Nathan, asking me if I was available to help the hotel's guests," Steve Andrews from Jersey Lost Ring Metal Detecting explained.

"I then spoke to Rich, who explained the situation further. He gave me a very good indication of where his wedding ring would be and once I started searching."

He located it no more than 10 minutes later.

"Nathan's quick thinking in contacting Steve really did save the day and meant we could continue to enjoy our honeymoon," said Richard.

"We leave Jersey with the fondest of memories of the beautiful island and friendly people."

Pictured: Steve Andrews located the ring in around just 10 minutes.

"It was a great piece of teamwork between Nathan, Rich and me and it was a pleasure to play my part in looking after Jersey's guests," Mr Andrews said.

Owner and Managing Director of the Atlantic Hotel, Patrick Burke, described the find as a "miracle moment that we were so glad to be a part of."

He continued: "We are extremely proud of Nathan and the whole team here at the hotel who consistently go the extra mile to look after our guests and deliver the very best service.

"We wish Richard and Anne the happiest of lives together with their wedding rings firmly on their fingers!"