A North Vancouver diver has turned an unusual skill into a service: recovering smartphones lost in the ocean. Henry Wang, who operates under the Instagram handle @cleanerlakes, has been scouring the ocean floor to retrieve dropped phones for their owners, often reuniting them with precious data and memories.
How the Service Works
Wang uses specialized diving equipment and metal detectors to locate phones in murky waters. He charges a fee for his services, which has grown through word-of-mouth and social media. According to Wang, the demand is high, especially in popular swimming and boating areas around Vancouver.
“People lose their phones while taking photos, fishing, or just enjoying the water,” Wang said in an interview. “I’ve found phones that were underwater for weeks, and surprisingly, some still work after being dried out.”
Success Stories and Challenges
Wang has recovered dozens of phones since starting his venture. One notable success involved a wedding ring that was accidentally dropped overboard, which he located after a two-hour search. However, the work is not without challenges. Poor visibility, strong currents, and the risk of encountering sharp objects or wildlife make each dive unpredictable.
“It’s like a treasure hunt, but the reward is seeing someone’s relief,” Wang added. He estimates that about 70% of the phones he finds are salvageable, depending on how long they’ve been submerged and the water conditions.
Environmental and Community Impact
Beyond helping individuals, Wang’s efforts also contribute to reducing ocean pollution. Phones contain batteries and hazardous materials that can leak into the marine environment. By recovering them, he prevents potential contamination. Local environmental groups have praised his initiative, noting that it aligns with broader efforts to keep waterways clean.
Wang hopes to expand his service to other lakes and coastal areas in British Columbia. He is also considering training others to perform similar recoveries, creating a network of divers dedicated to retrieving lost electronics.
