On January 27, 2024, a startling incident occurred at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, drawing significant attention from local authorities and the public.
The Incident
Early in the morning, around 6:52 A.M., emergency services received calls reporting that a vehicle had driven off the end of the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, located on 14th Street. Witnesses described the vehicle leaving Atlantic Avenue, crossing the boardwalk, smashing through two gates, and then nose-diving into the Atlantic Ocean[1][4].
Response and Recovery Efforts
The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) and the Virginia Beach Fire Department (VBFD) promptly responded to the scene. However, due to poor water visibility and dangerous conditions, divers were unable to deploy immediately. Instead, sonar equipment was used to locate the vehicle at the bottom of the ocean, approximately 15 feet deep at the end of the pier[1][4].
The recovery operation was complex and required specialized equipment. On January 28, 2024, an initial attempt to recover the vehicle was made using a salvage barge and professional salvage divers, but it was postponed due to adverse water conditions and safety concerns. The operation was successfully completed on February 2, 2024, when Crofton Industries arrived with a barge, crane, and dive team. A hard hat diver secured the vehicle, and it was removed from the water by 9:20 A.M.[4].
Vehicle and Occupant Details
The recovered vehicle was identified as a red Nissan Kicks. Unfortunately, there was one adult male occupant in the vehicle, who was pronounced deceased at 9:29 A.M. and transported to the Medical Examiner for identification. The Medical Examiner confirmed that the decedent was a 57-year-old white male from Virginia Beach, who had been reported missing by his family. The investigation found no evidence of criminality prior to the incident[4].
Investigation and Conclusion
The VBPD conducted a thorough investigation and concluded that there were no signs of criminal activity leading up to the incident. The focus of the investigation was on safely retrieving the vehicle and providing closure to the family of the deceased. The police and other involved agencies expressed their condolences to the family and appreciated the assistance from all partners in the recovery process[4].
Most Important Facts
Date and Time: The incident occurred on January 27, 2024, around 6:52 A.M.
Location: The vehicle drove off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier at 14th Street.
Vehicle Details: The vehicle was a red Nissan Kicks.
Occupant: There was one adult male occupant, a 57-year-old white male from Virginia Beach, who was pronounced deceased.
Recovery: The vehicle was recovered on February 2, 2024, using a barge, crane, and dive team from Crofton Industries.
Investigation: No evidence of criminality was found prior to the incident.
Water Conditions: The water at the end of the pier is approximately 15 feet deep, and poor visibility and dangerous conditions complicated the recovery efforts.
Response: The VBPD and VBFD responded promptly, with sonar equipment used to locate the vehicle due to poor water conditions.
