"Thousands Dive In at Mention of 'Mammoth Bones in New York River' Podcast"

Treasure Hunters Gather

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Dozens of "treasure hunters" are diving into the East River that runs through New York City, USA.

Scenery of the East River in New York City
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

According to reports from US media including the Associated Press on the 15th (local time), the reason they are visiting the East River is to search for prehistoric mammoth bones. They flocked there after hearing rumors that mammoth bones were discarded in the East River in the 1940s.

The rumor started when John Reeves, an Alaskan gold mine tycoon and fossil collector, appeared on a podcast hosted by American comedian Joe Rogan and revealed a previously hush-hush story. According to Reeves, mammoth bones and tusks were discovered in Alaska in the early 20th century, and some were transported to New York and donated to the American Museum of Natural History.

However, Reeves claimed that some of these fossils and bones were unsuitable for the museum and were discarded in the East River, and that this backstory was included in a draft report by museum staff. Citing the report, he identified the dumping site as the point where the FDR Drive, the east side riverside road of Manhattan, meets 65th Street. Reeves said, "I am now opening the era of 'bone hunting.' Let's see if someone takes on the adventure. Mammoth bones and tusks have tremendous value."

As the rumor spread, treasure hunters actually gathered around the East River. They used boats, diving equipment, and remote-controlled cameras to search. A diver from New Jersey said he has been diving into the river with his brothers and colleagues since last week. He explained that about 20 others also flocked to find mammoth fossils, describing the underwater visibility as extremely poor and the river current as strong. He said, "If we find nothing, then we just find nothing. I purely want to try."

Meanwhile, the British daily The Guardian reported that no concrete evidence for this rumor has been found. The American Museum of Natural History stated, "There is no record of fossils being discarded in the East River," adding, "We could not find any trace related to the report in museum records or other scientific materials."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.