NewsLocal News

Actions

Memorial continues for Conception boat fire victims, one month after deadly fire

Posted at 6:02 PM, Oct 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-02 21:23:04-04

Wednesday marks one month since the deadly Conception Boat fire that killed 34 people off the coast of Santa Cruz Island.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

On Sept. 27 law enforcement officials released a preliminary report and said investigators had not been able to determine what started that fire. The official investigation could take up to two years to be completed.

CONCEPTION SALVAGE.jpg
The remains of the Conception dive boat were raised from the water off Santa Cruz Island on Sept. 12, 2019.

Thirty-nine people were on-board the Conception Boat when it caught fire. Only five crew members survived. Investigators said all 34 victims died from smoke inhalation.

All of the victims have been identified and a memorial is set up at the Santa Barbara Harbor to honor their lives.

All 34 Conception boat fire victims positively identified

One Santa Barbara woman said she continues to take care of the monument to remember those affected.

"Being able to honor their friends and their family because it's a long distance for some people and so if they're able to they've thanked us for having this memorial… it means a lot to them," Santa Barbara resident Jennifer Stafford said.

conception boat fire.jpg
An image of the Conception boat before it caught fire and sank off Santa Cruz Island on Sept. 2, 2019, killing 34 people.

Truth Aquatics, the owner of the Conception boat, has suspended all its diving trips indefinitely.

Previous coverage:
All 34 Conception boat fire victims positively identified
Official: Conception examination doesn't find cause of boat fire
Coast Guard opens highest-level marine casualty investigation into Conception boat fire