NewsLocal News

Actions

Man says sister is unaccounted for after leading Conception dive trip

Brother of seasoned diver confirms his sister was aboard the Conception
Posted at 6:41 AM, Sep 03, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-03 10:02:11-04

The brother of a woman who was aboard the Conception dive boat is confirming to media outlets that she is unaccounted for.

Brett Harmeling tells the Los Angeles Times his sister, Kristy Finstad, boarded the Truth Aquatics boat in the Santa Barbara Harbor just a few days ago to lead a Labor Day weekend dive trip.

On Facebook Monday morning, Harmleing shared a post saying, "Please pray for my sister Kristy!! She was leading a dive trip on this boat."

At about 6:45 Tuesday morning, he shared the following message on Facebook: "Thank You ALL for your unconditional love and support during this incredibly tragic time. My family and I truly appreciate it. No final word on my sister Kristy; however, it is likely she has transitioned to be with the good Lord."

It's unknown whether Finstad's body has been recovered or found, or if she is among the nine missing.

Finstad's Facebook page shows she was the owner of the Santa Cruz-based business, Worldwide Diving Adventures, which was chartering the dive trip.

According to Finstad's Facebook page, she attended UC Santa Barbara and studied aquatic biology.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office will release new information about the recovery efforts and investigation at a press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday. KSBY will have live coverage of that press conference.