James Vincent, Beloved Owner of Aquarius Dive Shop, Identified Among Victims in Fatal Pacific Grove Plane Crash

PACIFIC GROVE / MONTEREY, CA — The Monterey community—and especially the local dive and marine scene—grieves the loss of James Vincent, 36, co-owner of Aquarius Dive Shop on Del Monte Avenue in Monterey, whose untimely death was confirmed after a private plane crash just offshore of Pacific Grove late on Saturday, July 26, 2025 .

✈️ The Fatal Crash

  • James was one of three individuals aboard a twin-engine Beechcraft 55 Baron that crashed into Monterey Bay roughly 200–300 yards offshore near Point Pinos, about 26 minutes after departing San Carlos Airport en route to Monterey Regional Airport .

  • The other victims were identified as Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas, and Jamie Lee Tabscott, 44, of Monterey. James was also reported to be the owner of the ill-fated aircraft.

🌟 A Community Leader and Passionate Diver

James was widely known and respected within the Monterey coastal community as the owner of the Aquarius Dive Shop, a local hub for diving enthusiasts on Del Monte Avenue. He was not only a business owner but a passionate advocate for marine conservation, diving safety, and aquatic education. His dive shop served as a gathering place for both recreational divers and professionals, and he was committed to training, guiding, and connecting people with the underwater world

Colleagues and regular clients remember his warm, genuine presence and how he elevated local dive culture through his expertise and generosity. Many have shared stories about how James would personally guide novices, lead beach cleanups, and champion sustainable practices.

💔 Community Mourning and Reflection

The news of James’s death has sent waves through Monterey and surrounding coastal communities. In addition to paying tribute at the crash site, divers and locals have shared heartfelt memories on social media, praising his mentorship, humor, and dedication to preserving the ocean environment.

Aquarius Dive Shop remains closed as a memorial space, with friends and the diving community paying respects through floating memorial dives and gathering at the shop. Local conservation groups have pledged to honor his memory through future stewardship events and training sessions.

📝 Summary of Key Details

Detail Information
Name James Vincent, 36
Role Owner, Aquarius Dive Shop, Monterey, CA
Date of Incident Saturday, July 26, 2025
Location Pacific Grove / Monterey Bay area
Aircraft Beechcraft 55 Baron
Other Victims Steve E. Clatterbuck (60, Salinas) and Jamie Tabscott (44, Monterey)
Cause Plane crash shortly after takeoff

🕯 Honoring James’s Legacy

Although the tragedy cut short his life, James’s impact continues through the countless people he inspired—divers exploring the underwater world, colleagues in marine education, and community advocates working toward ocean preservation.

As the investigation into the crash continues under FAA and NTSB oversight, the entire Monterey community remains united in grief and commitment: to remember James not for his final flight, but for his lifelong dedication to the sea and the people who cherish it.

Rest in peace, James Vincent. Your dive shop doors have closed, but your spirit dives on in the tides and hearts of many.

By Admin

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