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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evidence
Lead #1What happened to the fishing boat and other vessels during the severe storm with 10- to 12-foot seas?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any other fishermen or boat operators who witnessed events during the storm that day?
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location
Lead #3Has any wreckage or debris from Basgier's boat ever been recovered from the Chesapeake Bay?
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 around 7 a.m. in small vessels (no longer than 17 feet) and was expected to return before dark, but a severe storm with 10- to 12-foot seas swept through Hampton Roads that day. Despite search efforts, Basgier was never found, leaving open questions about whether he was lost at sea, swept overboard, or met another fate during the dangerous weather conditions.
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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.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4Exact timing of when the storm intensified and when contact was lost with Basgier's group
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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 small fishing boats (no longer than 17 feet) headed toward Chesapeake Light Tower.
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1987-10-03
unknownStorm and disappearance
A severe storm with 10- to 12-foot seas swept through Hampton Roads. Basgier and his boat were never found; he did not return before dark as expected.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:October 3, 1987 at 7:00 AM
Last Updated:July 15, 2026
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Phone: 7573854101
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Case Information
Incident:October 3, 1987 at 7:00 AM
Last Updated:July 15, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 7573854101
You can remain anonymous