With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Families Of Conception Dive Boat Fire Victims File Federal Suit Against The Coast Guard
The fire on the Conception dive boat claimed the lives of 34 people -- now the victim's families are filing a suit against the Coast Guard.
(
Courtesy Santa Barbara County Fire Department
)
Two years ago today, Sept. 2, the Conception dive boat caught fire and sank off the Channel Islands, killing 34 people. Now, the families of those victims have filed a new lawsuit.
The suit, filed late Wednesday in federal court, claims the Coast Guard set the stage for the tragedy to happen well before the Conception’s final voyage.
The boat had passed the agency’s safety inspections less than a year before the fire. After the disaster, however, investigators found dangerous flaws in the electrical and fire suppression systems on one of its sister vessels.
The exact cause of the deadly fire was never determined. That said, the final report from federal safety investigators blamed the boat's operator, Truth Aquatics, for numerous safety lapses.
Sponsored message
That report also faulted the Coast Guard for not properly enforcing its own rules.
A Coast Guard spokesperson contacted about the lawsuit replied that the agency will not comment on pending litigation.
Families of the victims filed a separate wrongful death lawsuit against Truth Aquatics last year.
The boat’s captain, Jerry Boylan, pled not guilty to 34 counts of seaman’s manslaughter earlier this year. He is currently awaiting trial.
The Conception was a few days into a diving excursion when it caught fire and sank overnight near Santa Cruz Island. Of those killed, 33 were passengers and one was a crew member. Five crew members survived by jumping off the boat. All who were killed were below deck.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
