Captain Convicted in Deadly California Boat Fire
Captain Jerry Boylan has been found guilty of "seaman's manslaughter" in connection with the deadly 2019 fire aboard the dive boat Conception off Santa Cruz Island, California, which claimed the lives of 34 people. Boylan was the only person to face criminal charges related to the incident, and he could face up to 10 years in prison. The verdict brings some relief to the victims' families, who have been seeking accountability for their loss. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but prosecutors argued that Boylan's failure to post a required night watch and inadequate crew training contributed to the tragedy. Civil lawsuits and ongoing legal proceedings against the boat owner and the Coast Guard are still pending.