The port of Ventura, California in the United States witnessed a peculiar flood when a Tesla Cybertruck ended up in the water last Monday morning, despite Elon Musk’s promises to make it submersible.
According to reports, the driver of the Cybertruck was trying to put a jet ski into the water when, by mistake, they put the vehicle in reverse instead of forward, causing the car to slide into the port and become submerged at a depth of 2.4 meters.
It may sound simple, but the Cybertruck rescue presented particular challenges due to the risks associated with its lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire and release toxic gases if damaged. The operation required the involvement of the Ventura Port Patrol, the United States Coast Guard, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
After the Cybertruck was removed from the water, Tesla recommended establishing a safety perimeter of 13 meters around the vehicle. Engineers from the company arrived at the scene to inspect the vehicle and ensure its safe transportation to a service center.
Despite the improved off-road capabilities of the Cybertruck, including the “Wading Mode,” the vehicle’s manual specifies that its maximum wading depth is 0.81 meters. The incident at the Ventura port highlights the limitations of the vehicle in aquatic environments.
The incident attracted the attention of numerous curious onlookers and media outlets, given the unusual nature of the event and the prominence of the Tesla Cybertruck.
The rescue operation, which lasted less than two hours, proceeded without major setbacks.