PACIFIC GROVE, CA — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified James Vincent, 36, owner of the well-known Aquarius Dive Shop in Monterey, as one of the three victims in a deadly plane crash that occurred Saturday night, July 26, just off Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove.
Vincent was aboard a twin-engine Beechcraft 95-B55 Baron, along with Jamie Lee Tabscott, 44, of Monterey, and Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas. All three were killed when the aircraft crashed into the ocean roughly 300 yards from the shoreline. Their remains have since been recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency crews.
James Vincent had a passion for aviation, as reflected in his social media posts. In a Facebook update dated February 17, he proudly shared: “Got my Multi rating today in the new plane.” The aircraft involved in the crash had been purchased just months earlier, in January, under Sea2Sky Aviation, LLC, a company registered in Delaware.
Pilots of multi-engine planes like the Beechcraft are required to obtain a multi-engine rating, a certification that involves 10–15 hours of flight time followed by a rigorous check ride and oral exam. Aviation experts typically recommend at least a month of additional, real-world training to adequately prepare for emergency situations.
Vincent’s dedication to both diving and flying made him a recognizable and respected figure in the Monterey community. His dive shop, Aquarius, has long been a hub for ocean enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike.
One of the other crash victims, Steve Clatterbuck, described himself on Facebook as “retired/scuba instructor,” and had previously worked in the heating and sheet metal industry. His presence in local dive circles, along with Vincent’s, made the tragedy even more personal for many in the coastal community.
In a statement, the Monterey County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office expressed:
“The family and friends of the deceased have expressed that they wish to extend their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. They ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the crash to determine its cause.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, James Vincent is remembered not only as a skilled pilot and businessman but as a beloved friend and mentor who brought life and energy to everything he touched — both above and below the surface.
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