"Dive Boat Captain Found Guilty in Tragic Fire that Claimed 34 Lives"
The former captain of the dive boat Conception, Jerry Boylan, has been found guilty of one count of seaman's manslaughter in connection with the fire that killed 34 people onboard in 2019. Boylan faces up to 10 years in prison and is set to be sentenced on February 8. The fire, which started in the early morning hours while the boat was anchored off Santa Cruz Island, resulted in the deaths of 33 passengers and one crew member. Federal investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the fire. Boylan was accused of neglecting his duties as captain by failing to warn occupants about the fire, not attempting to fight the fire, and not posting a night watch.