California schoolchildren find treasure during lake cleanup

Sixth graders in northern California discovered "sunken treasure" while cleaning up an Oakland area lake this week.

The kids were doing their weekly cleanup of Lake Merritt when they found two big canvas bags filled with jewelry and metal, ABC News said.

Among the loot: rings, pocket watches, candlesticks and a spoon. 

There is a chance the kids stumbled upon stolen stuff. One bag had a Wells Fargo logo on its side, ABC News reported. 

"I think someone was trying to steal it, and someone was on their tail, and they dumped it there," one student told the Oakland Tribune

Police are checking if any of the found items had been reported as stolen. If the treasure goes unclaimed, it will be turned over to St. Paul's Episcopal School.

The school's students have been cleaning the lake each week for more than a decade, the Oakland Tribune said. 

More from GlobalPost: Occupy Oakland plots next move

More from GlobalPost: Latin America's hidden growth story

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!