On Monday morning, a Tesla Cybertruck became submerged in Ventura Harbor, California, after the driver accidentally reversed into the water while attempting to launch a jet ski. The driver intended to move forward but mistakenly shifted into reverse, causing the vehicle to descend the ramp into the harbor. The driver managed to exit the truck safely before it sank approximately eight feet underwater.
Emergency responders, including the Ventura Harbor Patrol, Ventura City Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and a Tesla field engineer, swiftly arrived at the scene. Given concerns about the potential hazards associated with the Cybertruck’s lithium-ion batteries when submerged, a Tesla field engineer was also dispatched to assess the situation. After determining there was no immediate risk of fire, TowBoatUS Ventura divers attached cables to the vehicle, enabling its removal from the water. The Cybertruck was subsequently towed away without further incident.
This event has sparked discussions about the Cybertruck’s water-related capabilities. In previous statements, Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that the Cybertruck would be “waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat,” allowing it to cross rivers, lakes, and even calm seas.
However, Tesla’s official guidelines advise caution, recommending that owners avoid exposing their vehicles to water deeper than 2 feet 7 inches and emphasizing that damage from such use is not covered under warranty.
Notably, this marks the third similar incident in the Ventura area within the past year, underscoring the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines and exercising caution when operating vehicles near water.
