At least 34 individuals lost their lives in a tragic fire that engulfed the Conception dive boat off the coast of California. New details have emerged from a confidential report, shedding light on the fire’s origin and cause. According to the report, the fire began in a plastic trash can on the main deck of the vessel.
Investigators from the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a series of burn tests at their research lab in Maryland. These tests, which involved a full-scale mock-up of the middle deck of the 75-foot boat, concluded that the fire started in a rubbish container and rapidly spread throughout the boat. Within minutes, the main salon of the Conception was engulfed in flames.
The findings add to the mystery surrounding this tragic incident, which became the deadliest maritime disaster in recent California history. Ginger Colbrun, a spokesperson for the ATF, declined to comment on the report due to ongoing criminal and civil court proceedings related to the fire.
The fire broke out before dawn on September 2, 2019, as the Conception was anchored near Santa Cruz Island, approximately 27 miles from Santa Barbara. At the time, the vessel was nearing the end of a three-day dive trip. As the flames rapidly spread, five crew members who were asleep on the top deck were awakened by calls of Fire! Fire! Meanwhile, the boat’s 33 passengers and another crew member found themselves trapped below deck as they desperately tried to escape. Disturbing cellphone footage captured the harrowing moments as the passengers and crew struggled to survive. Recognizing the imminent danger, the crew members jumped overboard and made their way to a neighboring boat for help.
Initial investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board focused on areas where divers had plugged in lithium-ion batteries for their electronic devices. One crew member even speculated that the fire could have been sparked by the phone-charging station. However, the ATF’s investigation ultimately honed in on a 23-gallon rubbish bin located beneath the stairs of the main deck.
During their investigation, officials noted how one crew member heard crackling sounds from below and witnessed the fire at the bottom of the stairs. Tragically, the inferno blocked the escape route for those who were sleeping on the bottom deck.
Captain Jerry Boylan, the Conception’s captain, has been charged with 34 counts of manslaughter. Prosecutors argue that Boylan failed to follow Coast Guard regulations by not assigning a roving watch commander while everyone onboard was asleep. Despite the charges, Boylan continues to deny any wrongdoing. His trial is scheduled to take place in federal court next month, following multiple delays.
This latest revelation regarding the fire’s origin shines a spotlight on the events leading up to this devastating incident. As the case moves forward, it remains imperative to uncover the truth and ensure accountability for those responsible. Meanwhile, the families and loved ones of the victims continue to seek justice and closure in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.
