The U.S. Coast Guard says all 33 passengers and one crew member are assumed dead after a tragic boat fire early Monday that occurred in open water off California. The commercial diving vessel sank off Santa Barbara, California, hours before it was due to return from a three-day dive trip through California’s Channel Islands.
Of the 39 people aboard, five crew members were sleeping on the top deck of the Conception when the fire broke out and jumped overboard; they were rescued by a private boat near Santa Cruz Island.
Authorities reported in a press conference Tuesday that the remains of 20 victims had been recovered, including 11 women and 9 men. Fourteen victims remain missing.
The boat sank in 65-foot waters, less than 25 yards off the coast of Santa Cruz.
See USA TODAY
