Tag Archives: Santa Barbara Fire Department

Rescue crews still searching for passengers trapped aboard Conception. Once the fire started, it was too late for many

Rescuers continued searching overnight off the coast of Santa Cruz Island for passengers who were trapped aboard the Conception when the dive boat caught fire and sank early Monday. At least 15 people were confirmed dead, and others were still missing early Tuesday,,, Additional bodies were recovered from the wreckage overnight, but updated numbers were not available early Tuesday, said Amber Anderson, a spokesperson for the Santa Barbara City Fire Department. >click to read<  10:54

The 75-foot dive boat Conception was considered one of the best of its kind in the region, and both it and its operator, Truth Aquatics Inc., were in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.,, The cause has yet to be determined, but regardless of what sparked and fueled the fire, this much is clear: Once it started, it was too late for most of those on board to safely escape. >click to read<

UPDATE 1: Coast Guard, local agencies continue response to boat fire near Santa Cruz Island

SAN PEDRO, Calif. Coast Guard and partner agencies continue their response to a vessel fire that led to the Conception sinking near Santa Cruz Island Monday morning. A family assistance number has been established at (833) 688-5551 or (800) 400-1572. A 3,000-foot temporary flight restriction has been established around the Conception. Thirty-nine people were reported aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. Five people were rescued from the water during the initial response to the incident. Several deceased victims have also been recovered from the scene. >click to read< 19:01