Captain Convicted in Deadly California Boat Fire that Killed 34

Former Conception dive boat captain Jerry Boylan has been found guilty of gross negligence in the deaths of 34 people in a boat fire off Santa Cruz Island in 2019. The jury determined that Boylan failed to appoint a night watch or train his crew in fire safety, leading to chaos when the fire broke out. Boylan woke up, called for help, and jumped overboard, leaving the passengers trapped in the bunk room. The families of the victims expressed relief at the verdict but felt that the potential 10-year sentence was lenient. The tragedy has prompted tighter regulations for overnight watches on boats.