You Can Still Find Gold in Alaska If You Look Hard Enough 

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Unexpected Pool Discovery: Nine-year-old Corbin Hindriksen found a lost gold wedding ring at the bottom of the Zaandam Lido Pool during an Alaska cruise.
  • Decades of Memories: The ring belonged to former guest Gordon Sherritt, matching the ring of his partner of 60 years, Alice Sherritt.
  • Bridge Recognition: Captain Ane Smit invited Corbin to the bridge and awarded him a captain’s coin and ship model for his exceptional integrity.
  • Values in Action: Corbin’s honesty reflects his training with the Rocky Mountain Young Marines program, creating a memorable moment for his family and the crew

Young Guest Finds Lost Wedding Ring Onboard

Holland America Line guest Corbin Hindriksen made a heartwarming discovery during an Alaska Inside Passage voyage aboard Zaandam. While spending time at the ship’s Lido Pool, the nine-year-old from Fort Collins, Colorado, noticed a shiny object glistening at the bottom of the water. Diving down to retrieve it, Corbin discovered a lost gold wedding ring. Demonstrating remarkable integrity, he immediately turned the treasure over to the ship’s Guest Services team so it could be returned to its owner.

Unbeknownst to Corbin, the ring belonged to Gordon Sherritt of British Columbia, Canada, who had reported it missing during the previous sailing. The ring holds decades of sentimental value, matching the ring of his partner of 60 years, Alice Sherritt. Determined to ensure the item made its way home, Corbin even approached Captain Ane Smit during a welcome gathering to verify that the ring was being safely returned. Touched by the boy’s honesty and determination, Captain Smit invited Corbin and his family to the bridge, where he presented the young guest with a commemorative captain’s coin and a model ship. The ring was safely shipped back to a grateful Sherritt, who expressed appreciation for Corbin’s keen eye and the dedicated shipboard crew.

Corbin’s grandmother noted that his actions reflect the values taught in the Rocky Mountain Young Marines program, which emphasizes honor and integrity. While Alaska cruises are famous for majestic glaciers and wildlife, this special voyage delivered an unforgettable story of honesty, teamwork, and kindness at sea.