Magnet fisher conquers fear of Flat Bridge

While the thought of just dipping a toe into the water at Flat Bridge in St Catherine would send chills down the spine of some people, for magnet fisher Noel Smith, the fear he had has been conquered.

Today, the 26-year-old Smith rides the waves without fear, even frolicking in a kayak under the dreaded no-rails bridge that hangs over what many see as a treacherous body of water which should not be trifled with. Smith told THE WEEKEND STAR that as a child, he would often hear tales about mermaids and other supernatural sightings at Flat Bridge, that spans a section of the Rio Cobre. As a result, he stayed as far away as possible from it, refusing to follow his friends, who would urge him to face his fears and go treasure hunting in the water some people consider to be haunted.

"Every time I hear about Flat Bridge, it was always about a vehicle going over or someone just losing their life," recalled Smith. "Mi always hear that when vehicles go over, sometimes they can't come out because it sink. Mi always a hear about mermaid and golden table, so I had a lot of fear."

"I went to other places, and tried to avoid Flat Bridge, but my friends and girlfriend were encouraging it. Mi did actually afraid, but Claude, my friend that is always in the videos with me, said I should try it. I didn't go in the water, I just stood on the edge and throw the magnet," continued Smith. He said that the only thing he got on the magnet was money, including many coins.

"Persons were telling me to throw back the money in the water because they are offerings to the 'river muma' (mermaid), while others said they are used in obeah sacrifices, so I had thrown them back in," said Smith.

Having conquered his fears of Flat Bridge, Smith has been magnet fishing in the water around the bridge for the past three years. His exploits are posted on his YouTube channel, Magnet Fishing Jamaica, where he shows off the treasures he has found to his thousands of subscribers. He has found items including coins, candles, safes, homemade guns, which he turned over to the police, and jewellery.

Smith is now seeking to unravel the mysteries of Flat Bridge. In a recent video, he was seen kayaking underneath the bridge. While the stories about the mermaids and the golden table crossed his mind, he said he was more concerned about the kayak capsizing, even though he can swim.

"The only problem I had with the water was that it was murky, but it felt like any other water that I have been in. There were no mermaids or golden table sightings," Smith said. "The next time I go back there, I am going to take a drone so I can show the viewers underneath the water itself. I haven't found much there, but I am going back."

Smith's recent escapades at Rio Cobre caught the attention of passers-by, some of whom cheered him on. However, except for his team, no one seemed brave enough to get into the water, possibly because of the rumours about it being a gathering place for the ghostd of the slaves who died during the bridge's construction.

"The passers-by dem love it, and they are always cheering me on. People like to see it," said Smith, who is not sure that he has found anything of real value.

"I have found jewellery before, but I never checked to see if they are authentic. If my videos go viral, I may get payment from YouTube, though. But, for me, it's fun, and once what I am doing captures the audience, then I am satisfied."