A Life Cut Short: Monterey’s Beloved Dive Shop Owner Among Plane Crash Victims
MONTEREY, CA — The Monterey community is reeling with grief after the sudden and tragic death of James Vincent, 36, the beloved owner of the Aquarius Dive Shop, who was identified as one of three victims killed in a devastating plane crash late Saturday night.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, James was aboard a small private aircraft that went down under unknown circumstances. Emergency responders were dispatched after reports of the crash near the Monterey Bay area. Despite their swift response, all three individuals aboard the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The identities of the other two victims have not yet been released as authorities work to notify their families.
A Pillar in the Ocean Community: Remembering James Vincent
James wasn’t just a business owner — he was a friend, a mentor, and a respected advocate for ocean conservation. As the owner of the Aquarius Dive Shop, he played a pivotal role in teaching hundreds the joys and responsibilities of underwater exploration. His love for the ocean was as vast as the waters he dived in, and he was known for his infectious passion, warm heart, and commitment to marine preservation.
Customers and community members remember James as someone who went beyond business, often offering free lessons to kids interested in diving or organizing coastal clean-ups on weekends. He made diving accessible, exciting, and meaningful. One former student shared, “He didn’t just teach you to dive — he taught you to love the sea.”
His shop wasn’t just a local business — it was a community hub, a place where people gathered, shared stories, and learned from one another under James’s kind guidance.
🕯️ Community in Mourning: A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten
Tributes have poured in since news of the crash broke. A memorial of flowers, candles, and dive gear now lines the storefront of the Aquarius Dive Shop. Many shared stories of James’s generosity, his sense of humor, and the calm assurance he always brought — whether underwater or above.
A vigil is being planned for later this week at the Monterey Wharf, where James often led dives and marine tours. Friends, family, and fellow divers are expected to gather, some even choosing to honor him with an underwater memorial dive — a fitting tribute for a man whose life revolved around the ocean.
The tragedy has left an aching void in the hearts of many, but James Vincent’s spirit will endure — through every diver he trained, every reef he helped protect, and every wave that crashes along the Monterey shore.
