VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier officially reopened Friday afternoon following an official ceremony with city and Oceanfront leaders. The pier had been closed off for months after it was damaged when a man drove off it and into the water.
"As we come here and open up today, we cannot be forgetful about any loss of life," Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said.
"To create some beautiful memories, thousands and thousands of memories while also remembering how important mental health awareness is," said D. Nachnani, a spokesperson for the fishing pier.
In late January, a 57-year-old man drove off the edge of the pier, located on 14th Street. It prompted a heavy police response that remained for days.
Nearly a week after the incident, the vehicle was retrieved with a person inside. Poor water conditions hampered initial recovery efforts, prompting officials to postpone retrieval. Portsmouth-based private contractor Crofton Industries eventually stepped in to help, bringing in a salvage barge and professional salvage divers.
The pier was initially set to reopen on April 1 but some setbacks pushed the opening out. In early April, Nachnani said rain had slowed down repairs.
He previously told 13News Now the pier's owners were "working with engineers to ensure that the pier is safe and welcoming for the upcoming season."
Pedestrians had been allowed for several days on the fishing section of the pier, days before the official reopening ceremony for the public.
For many long-time fishermen, Friday was the first day that regulars of the fishing pier returned after the months-long closure.
"I had seen it on the news that day or so when it happened. It was awful, thinking about what goes through people’s minds and the things they’re dealing with today," Portsmouth resident Frank Cross said.
