The person at the center of this case
Richard Thomas Basgier
Missing Person · Open
38 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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witness
Lead #1What accounts did the other fishermen provide about the conditions and Basgier's last moments on the boat?
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evidence
Lead #2Were any remains, debris, or personal items from the boat ever recovered from the water?
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location
Lead #3Why was the Chesapeake Light Tower the destination, and were there any unusual circumstances about that trip?
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. The group departed early Saturday morning but encountered a severe storm with 10- to 12-foot seas during the day. Despite being due back before dark, Basgier never returned, and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear—whether he was lost at sea, fell overboard, or encountered another tragedy.
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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.
💡
clue
Lead #4Did the 10- to 12-foot seas and storm conditions make it likely the boat capsized or if Basgier fell overboard?
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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
Richard Basgier and other fishermen departed Lynnhaven Inlet in a fishing boat approximately 17 feet long, headed toward Chesapeake Light Tower.
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1987-10-03
Expected return time passed
Severe storm with 10- to 12-foot seas developed during the day. Basgier and the group were 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:August 23, 2026
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Phone: 7573854101
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Case Information
Incident:October 3, 1987 at 7:00 AM
Last Updated:August 23, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 7573854101
You can remain anonymous