The person at the center of this case
Richard Thomas Basgier
Missing Person · Open
39 years waiting · since 1987
Missing Person: Richard Thomas Basgier
Justice for Richard Thomas Basgier — the trail went cold in 1987, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What happened to the fishing boat and other fishermen who were with Basgier that day?
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witness
Lead #2Were there other fishermen on the boat who survived or witnessed what occurred?
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clue
Lead #3Did the storm conditions on October 3, 1987, contribute to an accident or capsize?
Richard Thomas Basgier, a 33-year-old fisherman, disappeared on October 3, 1987, while on a fishing boat headed toward the Chesapeake Light Tower from Lynnhaven Inlet in Virginia Beach. A severe storm with 10- to 12-foot seas struck Hampton Roads that day, and Basgier never returned. The circumstances of his disappearance—whether due to the storm, accident, or other cause—remain unknown, and his fate has never been determined.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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location
Lead #4Has the area between Lynnhaven Inlet and Chesapeake Light Tower been searched for wreckage or remains?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP7628. Missing person: Richard Thomas Basgier.
Last known contact: 1987-10-03 in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA. Circumstances: Last seen in fishing boat headed towards the Chesapeake Light Tower.
The fishermen, riding in boats no longer than 17 feet, left Lynnhaven Inlet on Saturday about 7 a.m. and were due back before dark.
During the day, a storm blew through Hampton Roads, creating 10- to 12-foot seas. Demographics: 33 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 170 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: blue jacket,brown or blue shorts..
Investigating agency: Virginia Beach Police Department | 1987-164236.
Timeline of Events
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1987-10-03
07:00Departure from Lynnhaven Inlet
Fishermen in boats no longer than 17 feet departed Lynnhaven Inlet around 7 a.m. headed toward Chesapeake Light Tower
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1987-10-03
unknownStorm and disappearance
A severe storm blew through Hampton Roads during the day, creating 10- to 12-foot seas. Basgier was due back before dark but never returned.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:October 3, 1987 at 7:00 AM
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Phone: 7573854101
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Case Information
Incident:October 3, 1987 at 7:00 AM
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 7573854101
You can remain anonymous