A Tesla Cybertruck found itself submerged in Ventura Harbor on Monday after a mishap during a Jet Ski launch. The incident drew a multi-agency response to safely retrieve the vehicle from the water, avoiding potential hazards associated with its lithium-ion batteries.
Around 11 a.m., Ventura Port District Harbor Patrol officers noticed the Cybertruck floating near the boat launch ramp. The driver explained that he had mistakenly shifted the vehicle into reverse instead of drive while attempting to launch a Jet Ski, causing the truck to slide down the ramp and into about eight feet of water.
Carson Shevitz, the captain of TowBoatUS Ventura, led the recovery effort. He jumped into the water and secured the submerged truck to a tow truck, which pulled it back to shore. Shevitz coordinated with Tesla and fire officials to ensure the operation was conducted safely, given the risks posed by the vehicle’s batteries.
Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, had previously claimed that the Cybertruck would be "waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat." However, this incident proved otherwise, as the truck sank quickly. Fortunately, the truck’s electronics did not show signs of severe damage. Shevitz noted that there were no bubbling or hissing sounds, which could indicate battery failure.
The response involved multiple agencies, including the Ventura City Fire Department, Ventura Harbor Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Shevitz remarked that it was unusual to see a vehicle submerged in the harbor, and the event attracted a crowd of onlookers.
This was not the first vehicle recovery for TowBoatUS Ventura; it marked the third such incident in the past year, but it was the first time they had dealt with a Cybertruck. After ensuring the vehicle was safe, Tesla’s engineers confirmed that it could be transported back to their service center without further risk.
The entire operation took less than two hours, highlighting the efficiency and coordination of the responding agencies in a potentially dangerous situation.