View source for Sinking of MV Conception

{{short description|2019 maritime disaster}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Sinking of MV ''Conception''}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2019}}{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox event
| title = Sinking of MV ''Conception''
| image = Conception at Dawn, Sep 2, 2019.png
| caption = ''Conception'' at dawn on September 2, shortly after the fire was extinguished (photo by [[Ventura County Fire Department]])
| date = September 2, 2019
| time = Approximately 3 a.m. [[Pacific Time Zone#Daylight time|PDT]] [[UTC−07:00]]
| result = (See [[#Aftermath|Aftermath]] section)
| deaths = 34
| injuries = 5
| cause = Fire
| location = Platts Harbor, [[Santa Cruz Island]], [[California]], United States
| coordinates = {{coord|34|02|51|N|119|44|06|W|display=it}}
| missing = 
| notes = {{Infobox | subbox = yes
 |bodyclass=collapsible
 |bodystyle={{Subinfobox bodystyle}}

    | abovestyle   = font-size:100%; padding-left:3em;
    | above        = '''Location of sinking in Channel Islands''':
    | image        =
{{Location map|USA California Channel Islands#California
|width      = 
|float      = center
|border     = none
|caption    = Map of the [[Channel Islands (California)|Channel Islands]], [[California]], with sinking site marked in red.
|alt        = 
|relief     = yes
|AlternativeMap= 
|overlay_image = 
|label      = MV Conception
|label_size = 
|position   = 
|background = 
|mark       = Gfi-set01-lost-ship -f00.svg
|marksize   = 10
|link       = 
|lat_deg    = 34.0475
|lon_deg    = -119.735
  }}
 }}
}}
The '''sinking of MV ''Conception''''' occurred on September 2, 2019, when the {{convert|75|ft|m|adj=on}} [[dive boat]] caught fire and eventually sank off the coast of [[Santa Cruz Island]], [[California]], United States. The boat was anchored overnight at Platts Harbor, a small undeveloped bay on the island's north shore, with 33 passengers and 1 crew member asleep below decks when a fire broke out shortly after 3&nbsp;a.m. Five crew members, whose sleeping quarters were on the top deck, survived while everyone else on board died. The crew members were forced by the fire to jump overboard but not before placing an initial mayday call to the Coast Guard and attempting to alert the passengers. The crew retrieved the ''Conception''{{'}}s skiff and motored to a nearby boat where a second radio dispatch was made. The rescue and recovery operations were coordinated by the [[United States Coast Guard]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/conception-dive-boat-sinking-fire-origins-14407113.php|title=What we know about the Santa Cruz Island boat fire disaster|last=Dowd|first=Katie|date=September 2, 2019|website=[[San Francisco Chronicle#Web|SFGate]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications]]|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ktla.com/2019/09/02/crews-rescuing-at-least-30-people-on-boat-near-santa-cruz-island-coast-guard/|title=25 Bodies Found Near Santa Cruz Island Where Dive Boat Burned; 9 People Still Missing|last1=Bravo|first1=Kristina|last2=Kuzj|first2=Steve|date=September 2, 2019|publisher=[[KTLA]]|access-date=September 2, 2019|last3=Friel|first3=Courtney|last4=Wenzke|first4=Marissa|last5=Knight|first5=Nerissa|last6=Associated Press|last7=Wolfe|first7=Chris|author6-link=Associated Press}}</ref>

It is the worst maritime disaster in California since the sinking of the [[Brother Jonathan (steamer)|''Brother Jonathan'']] in 1865, and the deadliest in the United States overall since the [[USS Iowa turret explosion|USS ''Iowa'' turret explosion]] in 1989.<ref name="Guardian-190904">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/04/california-boat-fire-latest-stairs-flames|title=California boat fire: stairs from sleeping quarters led to space filled with flames|author=Gumbel, Andrew|date=4 September 2019|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref> It is also the deadliest transportation-related disaster in the United States since the 2009 [[Colgan Air Flight 3407]] crash near [[Buffalo, New York]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pasztor|first=Andy|date=May 12, 2009|title=Captain's Training Faulted In Air Crash That Killed 50|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124200193256505099|access-date=January 15, 2023|issn=0099-9660}}</ref>

==Boat==
[[File:MVConception2000Avalon.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Conception'' anchored at [[Avalon, California|Avalon]], [[Santa Catalina Island (California)|Santa Catalina Island]], in May 2000]]
Motor vessel ([[Motor ship|initialized “MV”]]) ''Conception'' was a {{convert|75|ft|adj=on}} [[Dive boat#Liveaboard|liveaboard]] boat built in [[Long Beach, California]], and launched in 1981.<ref name=TA-Conception>{{Cite web|url=https://www.truthaquatics.com/conception/|title=Conception|website=Truth Aquatics|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904031951/https://www.truthaquatics.com/conception/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Dakota |last2=Mejia|first2=Brittny |last3=Sahagun|first3=Louis |last4=Nelson|first4=Laura J. |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-02/massive-rescue-operation-after-dozens-trapped-in-boat-fire-off-santa-barbara|title=California boat fire: At least 15 bodies found, others remain missing|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 2, 2019|access-date=2019-09-06}}</ref> It was one of three dive boats owned by Truth Aquatics, which operated charter excursions from [[Santa Barbara, California|Santa Barbara]] Harbor for groups of divers interested in exploring the [[Channel Islands (California)|Channel Islands]], located close to the coast of Southern California across the [[Santa Barbara Channel]] from Santa Barbara and [[Ventura County, California|Ventura County]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.truthaquatics.com/about/ |title=About |website=Truth Aquatics |access-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905145613/https://www.truthaquatics.com/about/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Conception'' was under charter to Worldwide Diving Adventures (WDA) for a three-day [[scuba diving]] excursion over the [[Labor Day]] holiday weekend, which was one of WDA's most popular diving tour packages.<ref name=BBC-190903>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49556638|title=California boat fire: More bodies found off Santa Cruz Island|date=September 3, 2019|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref><ref name=LAT-190903 /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/dive-boat-fire-Santa-Cruz-Kristy-Finstad-14408874.php#photo-18197748 |title=Owner of Santa Cruz adventure company missing after deadly boat fire |author=Graff, Amy |date=September 3, 2019 |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> The boat had been refurbished at a cost of more than $1&nbsp;million following an incident in 2005 when it had been stolen and run aground.<ref name=WaPo-190902 />

Federal and international regulations require boats over a certain size to be made of fire-resistant materials and to include fire sprinklers and smoke detectors wired into the ship's electronics or linked to the bridge. Given the vessel's age and size, ''Conception'' was not covered by those regulations. It measured less than {{GT|100}} and had fewer than 49 berths. It was constructed of wood covered with [[fiberglass]], as permitted by regulations last updated in 1978.<ref name="22identified" /><ref name="mexecutiveCell">{{Cite web|url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/ntsb-cell-charging-a-possible-ignition-source-in-dive-boat-fire|title=NTSB: Cell Charging a Possible Ignition Source in Dive Boat Fire|website=The Maritime Executive|date=September 5, 2019|access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref> At the time of the fire, ''Conception'' was believed to be in compliance with those regulations, and the most recent Coast Guard inspections in February 2019 and August 2018 did not result in any noteworthy violations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/02/california-boat-fire-santa-cruz-island/2190570001/ |title=At least 8 dead, dozens missing after California dive boat fire; Coast Guard warns to prepare for 'the worst outcome' |first1=John |last1=Bacon |first2=Joshua |last2=Bote |first3=David |last3=Oliver |first4=Kristin |last4=Lam |date=September 2, 2019 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref><ref name="nosprinkle">{{Cite web|last1=Yamamura|first1=Jean|url=https://www.independent.com/2019/09/04/conception-crew-interviewed-during-ntsb-probe/|title='Conception' Crew Interviewed During NTSB Probe|date=September 5, 2019|access-date=September 9, 2019|work=Santa Barbara Independent}}</ref><ref name="22identified" /> According to the vessel's Certificate of Inspection, it had a maximum capacity of 103: 4 crew and 99 passengers; one crewmember was required to be designated as a roving patrol at all times when the passenger bunks were occupied.<ref name=Conception-CoI>{{cite web |url=https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/18/2002184262/-1/-1/0/CONCEPTIONCOI-AMENDED19MAR2019%20B6_REDACTED.PDF |title=Certificate of Inspection: ''Conception'' |date=19 November 2014 |publisher=United States Coast Guard |access-date=17 September 2019}}</ref>

[[File:ConceptionBunk2000.jpg|thumb|right|upright|''Conception'' lower deck bunk room, starboard side facing aft, from a May 2003 dive trip]]
The boat was laid out with three decks. The upper deck contained the [[Bridge (nautical)|wheelhouse]], crew quarters, and a sun deck lounge area. The main deck, just below the upper deck, included a large cabin, which had a galley (in the forward portion of the cabin) where the crew could prepare meals and a salon (in the aft portion) with seating for meals. The salon was accessed from the stern through a hallway lined with restrooms.<ref name="nosprinkle" /> On the lower deck, up to 46 individuals could sleep in 13 double bunks (12 of which were stacked in twos) and 20 single bunks (18 stacked in threes), with one labeled as reserved for crew. The lower deck also contained the shower area, anchor locker, engine room, and lazarette (a machinery space).<ref name=TA-Conception /><ref name=WaPo-190902>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/09/02/missing-after-boat-fire-near-national-park-california-coast/ |title=Authorities have recovered 20 bodies, 14 unaccounted for after diving boat catches fire near California coast|last1=Wilson|first1=Scott |first2=Eli |last2=Rosenberg |date=September 2, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref> The rest of the crew berths were located two decks above, in the [[aft]] portion of the wheelhouse on the upper deck.<ref name="nosprinkle" />

According to the deck plans, the main access to the guest accommodations on the lower deck was the forward stairway connected to the galley and main deck cabin.<ref name=TA-Conception /> The designer of the vessel stated that there were two exits from the lower deck bunk room: a forward staircase at the bow end of the vessel that led up to the galley area, and an aft escape hatch located above one of the bunks, which led to the salon. After exiting the aft escape hatch, a person would still be within the main deck cabin, approximately {{convert|3|to|4|ft|1}} forward of the exit to the main deck.<ref name=LAT-190905 /> Some former dive passengers could only recall the forward stairway exit and could not recall if they had been briefed on the presence of the aft emergency escape hatch.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/09/02/california-boat-fire-highlights-need-secondary-emergency-exits/2191195001/ |title=California dive-boat fire highlights need for more than one exit from sleeping quarters |author=Deerwester, Jayme |date=September 2, 2019 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> [[Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office|Santa Barbara County Sheriff]] Bill Brown stated both exits appeared to have been blocked by fire during the disaster.<ref name=CNN-190904>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/04/us/california-boat-fire-wednesday/index.html |title=Flames blocked escape routes on boat and trapped sleeping divers, official says. 33 bodies have been found |author=Karimi, Faith |date=September 4, 2019 |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref>

== Fire ==
[[File:Operations Group Chairman's Factual Report, fig 3, pg 6.png|thumb|left|upright=1.5|General arrangement of decks, MV ''Conception'' (from NTSB factual report)]]

===Voyage===
''Conception'' departed Santa Barbara Harbor at 4:04&nbsp;a.m. on August 31 and arrived at a dive location near Albert Anchorage, on the south side of Santa Cruz Island, by 8:30&nbsp;a.m. that morning.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|9}} The six-person crew consisted of the [[Sea captain|captain]], a second captain (the Truth Aquatics title for [[Mate (naval officer)|mate]]),<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|10}} first and second [[deckhand]]s, and first and second galleyhands.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|15–17}} Upon arrival and while eating breakfast, the first deckhand conducted a safety briefing, which was interrupted when a passenger fainted; after the passenger was revived, the captain continued the briefing. ''Conception'' then sailed to the eastern side of the island and anchored in Smuggler's Cove overnight.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|10}} As part of their regular nighttime routine, the crew had an unwritten policy to shut down the circuit breakers to de-energize the galley burners and griddle.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|10}}

The excursion held a night dive at Quail Rock, on the northern coast near the western end of the island, from 8:30&nbsp;p.m. to 9:30&nbsp;p.m. on September 1. The returning divers stowed flashlights, cameras, and photo strobes on the two aft tables in the salon; some of these were plugged in to charge alongside cellular phones and tablets.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|10}} The first galleyhand recalled that when he plugged in his phone to charge that night, he "saw sparks" at the receptacle.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|11}}

===Discovery of the fire===
On the night of the fire, the second galleyhand woke at approximately 1:30&nbsp;a.m. and went to the galley to wash dishes; he did not see any other passengers or crew awake at the time. After emptying the trash, he went back to sleep in the crew quarters on the upper deck at approximately 2:35&nbsp;a.m.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|11}} He later awoke to the sound of a pop in the dark and believed it to be a disoriented crew member or passenger.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|11}} Upon leaving his bed to attempt to aid the individual, he discovered an uncontrollable fire on the main deck below.<ref name=WaPo-190902 /> The fire had already spread to the aft end of the upper deck,<ref name=prelim-DCA19MM047/> and was blocking their way to the main deck, as the aft ladder was already engulfed in flames.<ref name=AP-190905/> The second galleyhand returned to wake the remaining crew on the upper deck,<ref name=prelim-DCA19MM047>{{cite report |url=https://ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/DCA19MM047-preliminary-report.aspx |title=Preliminary Report: Marine DCA19MM047 |date=September 12, 2019 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> and two [[mayday]] calls were placed at approximately 3:14&nbsp;a.m. from the wheelhouse of the ''Conception''.<ref name=CNN-190904 /><ref name=AP-190904 /><ref name=DCA19MM047-ops>{{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638762.pdf |title=Operations Group Chairman's Factual Report |author=Ehlers, Andrew |date=August 19, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=16 October 2020}}</ref>{{rp|13}}

The five crew members that had been sleeping on the upper deck jumped down to the main deck and one broke his leg in the process.<ref name=AP-190905>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/b19400c6d430490b917498c935079b4e |title=Fire foiled rescued attempts by California boat crew |author=Dazio, Stefanie |date=September 5, 2019 |work=AP News |access-date=11 September 2019}}</ref> The second galleyhand was the first to descend, lowering himself after leaving the wheelhouse through the wing station door on the port side of the boat. He tried to go aft to retrieve fire extinguishers, but his path was blocked by smoke and flames billowing out of the salon windows.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|12}} The first deckhand followed soon after the second galleyhand; the second galleyhand saw him come down and turned back from the smoke and flames. As the second galleyhand was turning around towards the bow, the first galleyhand was jumping down from the port side of the wheelhouse; the first galleyhand landed awkwardly and broke his left leg, and the second galleyhand hurdled over him while running forward.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|12}}

The ship's captain said the aft escape hatch was engulfed in fire and the surviving crew could do nothing to help the passengers and the second deckhand, who were all sleeping in the lower deck berths.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-boat-fire-you-can-only-imagine-the-horror-couple-who-rescued-survivors-speaks-out/ |title='You can only imagine the horror': Couple who rescued California boat fire survivors speaks out |date=September 3, 2019 |work=[[CBS News]] |access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref><ref name=CBS-190903>{{cite web | url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-boat-fire-coast-guard-suspends-search-efforts-for-victims-santa-cruz-island-2019-09-03/ | title = Coast Guard suspends search efforts for victims of California boat fire | date = September 3, 2019 | access-date = September 3, 2019 | work= [[CBS News]] }}</ref> The first deckhand and second galleyhand then attempted to access the main deck cabin through the center window in the forward section of the boat; although the window was not hot, it could not be opened and only thick smoke could be seen through the window.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|12}} Flames prevented the crew from accessing the salon along both the port and starboard exterior walkways to rescue the trapped passengers.<ref name=AP-190905 /><ref name=Reuters-190905>{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-california-fire/crew-told-of-harrowing-california-boat-fire-that-killed-34-ntsb-idUKKCN1VR041 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906030319/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-california-fire/crew-told-of-harrowing-california-boat-fire-that-killed-34-ntsb-idUKKCN1VR041 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2019 |title=Crew told of 'harrowing' California boat fire that killed 34 - NTSB |last=Whitcomb|first=Dan |date=September 5, 2019 |work=Reuters |access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|13}}

===Mayday calls and abandoning the boat===
At this time, the captain was transmitting mayday signals; after connecting to the watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach, the captain transmitted "39 POB [people on board]. I can't breathe. 39 POB. Platts." The captain then jumped directly into the ocean from the starboard wing door; since smoke was trailing behind him, several crewmembers thought he was on fire and the second captain followed him into the ocean to assist.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|13}}&nbsp;<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg>{{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638849.pdf |title=Survival Factors Group Chairman's Factual Report |author=Muise, Marcel L. |date=September 4, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=16 October 2020}}</ref>{{rp|10}} The first deckhand remembered there was an axe in the wheelhouse just as the captain leapt, but since the captain was the last to leave the wheelhouse, it could not be retrieved.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|13}} Access to the firefighting stations, at the port and starboard exterior sides of the aft end of the saloon, was blocked by the fire.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|10}} Trapped by the fire, the first deckhand and second galleyhand followed the captains into the water; the second galleyhand encouraged the first galleyhand to abandon ship as well, which he was able to do through the port bow gate.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|14}}

All five crew members eventually leapt into the ocean from the bow to escape the fire; the second captain, the first deckhand, and the captain retrieved the boat's skiff (an inflatable [[dinghy]]) from the stern, and, after retrieving the remaining crew, paddled approximately {{convert|200|yd}} to the only boat moored nearby, the ''Grape Escape''.<ref name=LAT-190903 /><ref name=prelim-DCA19MM047/><ref name=AP-190904>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/451cc261ee2646e09309e865f1b54da6 |title=Burning dive boat takes fatal fire clues to a watery grave |author=Melley, Brian |date=September 4, 2019 |work=AP News |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref><!--''Grape Escape'' is a 60' sportfisher from Madera, built by Hatteras Yachts in 1999. See https://www.yachtingjournal.com/directory/boat/1999-grape-escape--> Both the second captain and first deckhand reboarded the stern of ''Conception'', and both were unable to access the lower deck in separate attempts. The first deckhand attempted to enter the engine room on the lower deck to start the fire pump, but the space was filled with white/grey smoke.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|11}} The second captain noted the stricken vessel still had power while using the electric winch to lower the skiff from the stern. Once the skiff was in the water, the two were commanded by the captain to abandon ''Conception'' again.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|14}}

The surviving crew put out another mayday alert from the ''Grape Escape'' at 3:29&nbsp;a.m. and the second captain and first deckhand returned to the ''Conception'' in the skiff to search for survivors.<ref name=WaPo-190902 /><ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|14–15}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-03/how-did-crew-members-survive-california-boat-fire-their-location-allowed-for-escape-sheriff-says |title=How did crew members survive California boat fire? Their location allowed for escape, sheriff says |author1=Karlamangla, Sumya |author2=Ormseth, Matthew |author3=Smith, Dakota |author4=Fry, Hannah |date=September 3, 2019 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> While waiting for aid, small explosions were heard from the ''Conception'', believed by the crew to be caused by the pressurized dive cylinders rupturing from the heat of the fire.<ref name=LAT-190903>{{cite web | url = https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-03/california-dive-boat-fire-santa-cruz-island-conception-victims | title= Biologist missing in boat fire had 'a love for marine life' |first1 = Laura J. |last1 = Nelson | first2 = Dakota | last2= Smith | first3= Louis | last3= Sahagun | first4= Jaclyn | last4 = Cosgrove | date = September 3, 2019 | access-date = September 3, 2019 | newspaper = Los Angeles Times }}</ref> One of the distress calls sent from the ''Conception'' initially suggested that at least one individual below deck was awake, as a man's voice was recorded screaming "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! I can't breathe!"<ref name=NYT-190902>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/02/us/santa-cruz-island-boat-fire.html|title=California Boat Fire Kills at Least 20; Haunting Pleas as Flames Erupt|last1=Del Real|first1=Jose A. |date=September 2, 2019|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=September 4, 2019|last2=Chokshi|first2=Niraj|last3=Fuller|first3=Thomas}}</ref> However, Glen Fritzler, the owner of Truth Aquatics, clarified the first mayday calls had been made by the captain of the ''Conception'' from the wheelhouse before he evacuated from the boat.<ref name=CNN-190904 /><ref name=SN1-190903>{{Cite news|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/news/2019/09/03/-i-m-numb---boat-owner-on-deadly-fire-near-santa-cruz-island|title=Boat Owner on Deadly Fire Near Santa Cruz Island|last=Brunnel|first=Natalie|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=September 4, 2019|publisher=Spectrum News 1}}</ref>

===Emergency response===
[[File:USCGC Narwhal off the coast of Santa Cruz Island.jpg|thumb|right|USCGC ''Narwhal'' at Santa Cruz Island (September 2019)]]
Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles–Long Beach received the mayday calls at approximately 3:14&nbsp;a.m.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|12}} The call was received via [[Channel 16 VHF]], advising that ''Conception'' was in distress with 39 persons on board.<ref name=CG-PR-190902-1>{{cite press release |url=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/25c95a3 |title=UPDATE 1: Coast Guard, local agencies continue response to boat fire near Santa Cruz Island |date=September 2, 2019 |publisher=United States Coast Guard, 11th District, PA Detachment LA/LB |access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref> Because the captain had abandoned the boat shortly afterward and was unable to respond to follow-up requests, a precise location was not provided and the emergency had not been declared as a fire; the location was estimated from the last [[automatic identification system]] broadcast from ''Conception'', and the Sector Command Center (SCC) in San Pedro issued an [[Urgent Marine Information Broadcast]] (UMIB) at 3:22&nbsp;a.m.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|12}} Boats and helicopters from the Coast Guard, the [[Ventura County Fire Department|Ventura County]] and [[Santa Barbara County Fire Department]]s, and a private company, TowBoatUS Ventura (formerly Vessel Assist Ventura) were dispatched to the site.<ref name="Diskin">{{Cite web|last=Diskin|first=Megan|date=June 29, 2020|title=Ventura towboat captain honored by Coast Guard for 'selfless' response to Conception fire|url=https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/oxnard/2020/06/29/ventura-county-captain-honored-coast-guard-conception-boat-fire-response/3264649001/|access-date=2020-07-05|website=[[Ventura County Star]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/03/california-dive-boat-fire-us-coast-guard-confirms-dozens-dead/2195446001/|title=All 33 passengers presumed dead after horrific California boat fire, Coast Guard says|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Adrianna |last2=Lam|first2=Kristin |last3=Hauck|first3=Grace|website=USA Today|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref>

The SCC telephoned Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor (in Ventura) at 3:23&nbsp;a.m. to dispatch them to the scene for a medical emergency. Channel Islands Harbor Station personnel radioed the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) and requested Medic Engine 53 (the closest unit) to respond to the scene aboard a Coast Guard vessel which was preparing to leave.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|14}} The SCC also coordinated the dispatch of {{ship|USCGC|Narwhal|WPB-87335}}, based in [[Corona del Mar, Newport Beach|Corona Del Mar]], and CG 6540, a [[HH-65 Dolphin]] helicopter which had been forward deployed to [[Point Mugu]] from Air Station San Francisco.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|14;18}} The SCC learned the emergency was a fire after the captain of the ''Grape Escape'' radioed the Coast Guard at 3:29&nbsp;a.m.;<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|14}} during the ensuing dialogue, the captain of the ''Conception'' clarified that five had escaped, but 34 were still trapped aboard and the vessel was "fully engulfed [with flames] to the deck".<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|16}} Upon hearing the conversation, Channel Islands Harbor Station launched [[Response Boat-Medium]] (RB-M) ''CG 45643'' at 3:42&nbsp;a.m. immediately.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|16}} The VCFD crew arrived at 3:46&nbsp;a.m., and RB-M ''CG 45739'' was launched at 3:49&nbsp;a.m. with them on board, after they had been briefed.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|16–17}} Channel Islands Harbor Patrol dispatched ''Boat 15'' at 4:04&nbsp;a.m. with the crew of VCFD Engine 54 aboard, and Ventura City Harbor Patrol dispatched ''Boat 1'' at 4:56&nbsp;a.m. with the crew of VCFD Engine 26.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|17}} In between, TowBoatUS Ventura dispatched ''Retriever II'', a {{convert|26|ft|adj=on|abbr=on}} Ambar AM800 [[rigid-hull inflatable boat]], from Ventura Harbor by 4:21&nbsp;a.m.<ref name=USCG-sitrep/>
{{OSM Location map
|coord={{Coord|34.05|-118.8}}
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|zoom=8
|width=400 |height=280
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|shape-color1=#552583
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|mark-coord1 ={{Coord|34.408263|-119.691426}}
|mark-title1 =Aug 31, 4&nbsp;a.m.: ''Conception'' departs Sea Landing / Santa Barbara Harbor for a three-day dive excursion, chartered by Worldwide Diving Adventures

|mark-coord2 ={{Coord|34.047467|-119.735216}} |shape-color2=#a00
|mark-title2 =Sep 2, early morning: Fire starts aboard ''Conception'', anchored overnight in Platts Harbor, [[Santa Cruz Island]]

|mark-coord3 ={{Coord|33.726355|-118.268574}} |shape-color3=#E03C31
|mark-title3 =3:14&nbsp;a.m.: [[Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach|Sector LA/LB]] receives first mayday calls

|mark-coord4 ={{Coord|34.161729|-119.222183}} |shape-color4=#E03C31
|mark-title4 =3:23–3:42&nbsp;a.m.: [[Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor|Station CIH]] alerted & dispatches two [[Response Boat – Medium|RB–M]]s to site (both arrive 4:32&nbsp;a.m.); more firefighting boats dispatched at 4 & 5&nbsp;a.m.

|mark-coord5 ={{Coord|34.112366|-119.105630}} |shape-color5=#E03C31
|mark-title5 =3:25–4:22&nbsp;a.m.: [[Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco|CGAS SF]], [[Naval Air Station Point Mugu|FOB Point Mugu]] alerted & dispatches [[HH-65 Dolphin]] helicopter (arrives 4:32&nbsp;a.m.)

|mark-coord6 ={{Coord|34.250506|-119.265460}} |shape-color6=#0067ac
|mark-title6 =4:21&nbsp;a.m.: TowBoatUS Ventura ''Retriever II'' enroute to scene, arrives by 5:04&nbsp;a.m.

|mark-coord7 ={{Coord|33.602821|-117.883599}} |shape-color7=#E03C31
|mark-title7 =approx. 6&nbsp;a.m.: {{ship|USCGC|Narwhal|WPB-87335|2}} dispatched from [[Corona del Mar, California|Corona del Mar]]

|fullscreen-option=1
|caption=Key locations for final voyage of ''Conception'' and responding sites (all times local)<ref name=USCG-sitrep>{{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638857.pdf |title=U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach Situation Report, Search and Rescue/Fire/Conception |date=September 2, 2019 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref>
|auto-caption=1
}}
At 4:17&nbsp;a.m., the Coast Guard advised the surviving crew aboard the ''Grape Escape'' to set out again to search for survivors; they searched fruitlessly in the waters around ''Conception'' as well as the rocks of Platts Harbor.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|15}} The first responders arrived onsite at 4:32&nbsp;a.m. aboard ''CG 45643'', ''CG 45739'', and CG 6540;<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|21}} the Ventura County paramedic and engineer aboard ''CG 45739'' subsequently boarded ''Grape Escape'' at 4:38&nbsp;a.m. to treat the injured first galleyhand. The rigging on ''Grape Escape'' made a helicopter rescue too challenging,<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|18}} so ''Grape Escape'' proceeded to Station Channel Islands Harbor, starting at 4:55&nbsp;a.m.<ref name=USCG-sitrep/> carrying the surviving crew except the captain, who remained onsite aboard ''CG 45739'' to assist.<ref name=DCA19MM047-ops/>{{rp|15}}&nbsp;<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|20}}

===Fire fighting and sinking===
After arriving onsite, officials struggled to fight the fire, as the boat was in a remote location with limited firefighting resources, and the fire was moving quickly and kept flaring up.<ref name=AP-190902 /> The anchor line of the ''Conception'' burned through and the boat began to drift towards the island, raising fears it might ignite onshore vegetation. In addition, since ''Conception'' had drifted into shallower waters, most of the fireboats on-scene were unable to continue fighting the fire for lack of clearance, including a shallow-draft Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol boat.<ref name=NHSB-190918>{{cite news |url=https://www.noozhawk.com/article/first_responders_at_conception_disaster_made_valiant_effort_20190918 |title=First Responders at Conception Disaster Made Valiant Effort Facing 'Worst Call of Our Careers' |author1=Hartmann, Peter |author2=Wright, Stacey |date=September 18, 2019 |work=Noozhawk |access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref>

Although the two initial-response RB-Ms onsite had portable {{convert|250|USgal/min|litre/min|abbr=on}} dewatering pumps that could be used for firefighting, the VCFD determined they would not be effective, and they began searching the waters for survivors, as the magnitude of the fire aboard ''Conception'' meant there was no one left alive on board the vessel.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|18}} ''Boat 15'' would be the primary firefighting boat after it arrived at 4:55&nbsp;a.m.,<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|22}} as it had greater pump capacity and carried [[firefighting foam]].<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|18}} The helicopter CG 6540 remained on station until forced to return to Point Mugu for fuel at 5:09&nbsp;a.m., using their [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) camera to search for potential survivors in the water; conditions were excellent for the search, and the FLIR was able to pick up seagulls from a distance of {{convert|1/2|mi|abbr=on}}, but no survivors were found.<ref name=USCG-sitrep/>

In order to attempt to fight the fire and allow fireboats to reach the vessel, a grappling line was secured and the still-burning ''Conception'' was towed out to deeper water by ''Retriever II''.<ref name=AP-190902 /><ref name=NHSB-190918/> ''Boat 15'' reported the fire was extinguished by 5:23&nbsp;a.m.,<ref name=SBI-190909 /> although hotspots kept reigniting.<ref name=USCG-sitrep/> The fire had burned to the waterline of the hull, which was also full of water from firefighting efforts. The hull was not stable enough to place pumps on board to dewater it. ''Conception'' was then towed by ''Retriever II'' back to shallower waters to aid in its recovery,<ref name=NHSB-190918/> but the boat sank stern-first about four hours after the fire broke out<ref name=LAT-190903 /> at 6:54&nbsp;a.m.,<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|18}} coming to rest upside-down at a depth of {{convert|64|ft}} approximately {{convert|20|yd}} from the north shore of Santa Cruz Island.<ref name=BBC-190903 /> The first victim was pulled from the water at 8:04&nbsp;a.m.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|20}}

[[United States Coast Guard Cutter|Coast Guard cutter]] ''Narwhal'' arrived at 8:32&nbsp;a.m.,<ref name=USCG-sitrep/> approximately two hours after being dispatched and assumed on-scene command upon arrival, remaining at Platts Harbor for four days to coordinate rescue and recovery operations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2019-09-09/it-will-live-with-me-forever-commander |title='It will live with me forever': Coast Guard officer recalls 4 days of duty at site of dive boat tragedy |author=Henley, David C. |date=September 9, 2019 |newspaper=[[Daily Pilot]] |access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> The Coast Guard suspended their search for survivors at 9:40&nbsp;a.m. on September 3 after spending 23 hours combing {{convert|160|mi2|abbr=on}} of the waters north of Santa Cruz Island with five [[MH-65 Dolphin]] helicopter crews, two [[Response Boat – Medium]] crews, and the ''Narwhal''.<ref name=CG-PR-190903>{{cite press release |url=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/25cc3ad |title=UPDATE 2: Coast Guard suspends search for survivors of sunken boat near Santa Cruz Island |date=September 3, 2019 |publisher=United States Coast Guard, 11th District, PA Detachment LA/LB |access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref>

== Victims ==
[[File:MVConception_Memorial_Plaque.jpg|thumb|right|Memorial plaque for victims, placed in September 2020<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-09-02 |title=A year after Conception boat fire, plaque at Santa Barbara Harbor commemorates 34 victims |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/a-year-after-conception-boat-fire-plaque-at-santa-barbara-harbor-commemorates-34-victims/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=KTLA |language=en-US}}</ref>]]
All 33 of the ''Conception''{{-'}}s passengers and one of its six crew members were killed the night of the fire; the other five crew members, including the captain, escaped with injuries. The 34 killed were all sleeping in the lower deck bunkroom. Divers located 25 bodies by September 2, while nine other people remained missing. Four floating bodies were initially recovered at the time of the sinking, and another sixteen were pulled from the water later. Another five bodies were visible in the vessel but unreachable because of concerns about unsafe conditions on the boat.<ref name=AP-190902>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/d3d2dc4538b24be592f741b42716c8cc|title=Coast Guard: 25 bodies found after California boat fire|last=Dazio|first=Stefanie|date=September 2, 2019|work=[[Associated Press|AP News]]|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref> The Coast Guard suspended search efforts on the morning of September 3, as it required the wreckage to be stabilized before searching it for further bodies. At that time, the unaccounted victims were presumed dead.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Talmazan|first1=Yuliya |last2=Fieldstadt|first2=Elisha |last3=Li |first3=David K. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/25-confirmed-dead-after-boat-catches-fire-near-santa-cruz-n1049016|title=Southern California diving boat fire: Search called off for 34 presumed dead|work=NBC News|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref><ref name=CBS-190903 /> By September 4, all but one of the bodies had been recovered, with around 80 divers from six different agencies searching including members of the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI).<ref name=LAT-190904>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-04/california-boat-fire-bodies-recovered-fbi-ntsb-investigation|title=33 bodies recovered in California boat fire search as investigation intensifies|last1=Puente|first1=Mark|last2=Ormseth|first2=Matthew|date=September 4, 2019|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 4, 2019|last3=Fry|first3=Hannah}}</ref><ref name="SMS 2019-10-30">{{Cite news|last=JOHNSON|first=PETER|date=October 30, 2019|title=Sheriffs' dive team members recount a harrowing call-out to the Conception boat fire at the Channel Islands|url=http://www.santamariasun.com/cover/19121/sheriffs-dive-team-members-recount-a-harrowing-callout--to-the-conception-boat-fire-at-the-channel-islands/|access-date=2020-07-02|work=Santa Maria Sun|quote=Over the next 10 days, more than 80 divers from six different agencies would be dispatched to the Conception wreck—including about 25 SLO and Santa Barbara county locals like Smith.|language=en}}</ref> The last body was located by divers from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff and recovered on September 11.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/11/us/california-boat-fire-investigation/index.html | title = The last missing victim from the California dive boat fire has been located | first= Sarah | last= Moon | date = September 11, 2019 | access-date = September 11, 2019 |work = CNN }}</ref>{{r|SMS 2019-10-30}}

Most of the victims were from California. One couple was from [[Arizona]].<ref name=SFG-190903>{{cite news | url = https://www.sfgate.com/news/us/article/The-Latest-Divers-search-for-people-missing-from-14408757.php | title = The Latest: NTSB arrives to investigate deadly boat fire | date = September 3, 2019 | access-date = September 3, 2019 | agency = [[Associated Press]] | via = [[San Francisco Chronicle]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903205446/https://www.sfgate.com/news/us/article/The-Latest-Divers-search-for-people-missing-from-14408757.php|archive-date=2019-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two of the victims were confirmed to be [[Singaporeans|Singaporean]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Cheng|first1=Ian |last2=Yong|first2=Michael |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singaporean-died-tan-wei-conception-boat-fire-california-family-11879942|title=Singaporean diver Tan Wei confirmed to be among the 34 California boat blaze victims|work=CNA|date=September 6, 2019|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref> Two victims were from India, living in [[Stamford, Connecticut]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Shay|first=Jim |url=https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/Stamford-couple-among-victims-in-California-boat-14418899.php|title=Stamford couple among victims in California boat fire|work=Stamford Advocate|date=September 6, 2019|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref> Two of the victims were students at an elite Santa Cruz high school.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2019/09/03/2-students-from-elite-high-school-were-on-doomed-dive-boat-report/|title=2 students from elite high school were on doomed dive boat: report|last=Sheehy|first=Kate|date=September 3, 2019|work=New York Post|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref> It is believed that the youngest was age 16 and the oldest were in their 60s, with a majority of the victims from [[Santa Cruz, California|Santa Cruz]] and the [[San Francisco Bay Area|Bay Area]].<ref name=ABC-190903>{{Cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/20-killed-california-boat-fire-police/story?id=65355975|title=Remains of 20 victims recovered in California boat fire, police say|last=Hutchinson|first=Bill|date=September 3, 2019|work=ABC News|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref>

[[Forensic identification#DNA identification|DNA from family members]] was used by the Santa Barbara County coroner to identify the bodies.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Healy|first1=Patrick|last2=Kandel|first2=Jason |url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/NTSB-Begins-Probe-Into-Deadly-Scuba-Boat-Fire-Off-SoCal-Coast-559305231.html|title=NTSB Begins Probe Into Deadly Scuba Boat Fire Off SoCal Coast|work=NBC Southern California|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref> Identification was delayed by the loss of the onboard passenger manifest and difficulties in locating a second copy.<ref name="22identified" /> Twenty-three of the bodies were identified with the assistance of a private company that had developed a form of [[rapid DNA]] technology previously used to identify [[Camp Fire (2018)|Camp Fire]] victims.<ref name="22identified">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.com/2019/09/06/nine-conception-victims-identified/|title=22 Conception Victims Identified|first1=Nick|last1=Welsh|first2=Jean|last2=Yamamura|date=September 6, 2019|access-date=September 9, 2019|work=[[Santa Barbara Independent]]}}</ref> All 34 victims were identified by September 12.<ref name=APL-190912/>

The coroner determined that the cause of death was [[smoke inhalation]],<ref name="SJM-190906" /><ref name=AP-190906>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/002a9ce333a24b128065b0eaa12f28d2 |title=Sheriff: Dive boat victims killed by smoke, not flames |author=Dazio, Stefanie |date=September 6, 2019 |work=AP News |access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref> determined by toxicology tests showing lethal levels of [[carbon monoxide]] in their blood and the presence of black soot in their tracheas.<ref name=SBI-200519>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.com/2020/05/19/conception-coroner-reports-reveal-victims-attempt-to-escape/ |title='Conception' Coroner Reports Reveal Victims' Attempt to Escape |author=Hayden, Tyler |date=May 19, 2020 |newspaper=Santa Barbara Independent |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Coroner: Smoke inhalation killed 34 in California boat fire|url=https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2020/05/21/california-boat-fire-smoke-inhalation-victims-coroner/5241163002/|newspaper=[[Ventura County Star]]|first=Stefanie |last=Dazio |agency=Associated Press|language=en|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=2020-05-24}}</ref> The coroner was unable to determine the victims' locations within the bunk room, but several were found wearing shoes or sandals, jackets, and one was holding a flashlight;<ref name=SBI-200519/> a prior ''Conception'' passenger stated it was possible that some victims were keeping warm overnight, and the presence of clothing and shoes did not necessarily indicate they were trying to escape.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/b5c0cfc630d79efab30fdbd1fe4458c2 |title=Coroner: Smoke inhalation killed 34 in California boat fire |author=Dazio, Stefanie |date=May 21, 2020 |work=AP News |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref>

==Investigation==
{{multiple image
 | align     = right
 | direction = vertical
 | image1    = Conception bunk room showing the underside of the escape hatch from Summer 1995.jpg
 | caption1  = Bunk room and aft escape hatch (above bunk #10), view directed portside
 | image2    = Conception deck showing escape hatch in saloon from Summer 1995.jpg
 | caption2  = Main deck, view towards bow into salon. Aft escape hatch exit is centered just inside the main deck cabin.
 | header    = ''Conception'' photographs from summer 1995
}}

Truth Aquatics had a good reputation locally, and maintained their boats in good condition, according to [[California State Senate|state Senator]] [[Hannah-Beth Jackson]], who represented the Santa Barbara area.<ref name=SFG-190903 /> Local entrepreneur Ken Kurtis, owner of a dive charter company, told ''The Maritime Executive'' it was the only major fire he was aware of on a Californian dive boat and the issue was not widely contemplated by the local industry.<ref name="mexecutiveCell" /> U.S. Senator [[Dianne Feinstein]] called for an investigation into the incident and specifically asked to address the training of the crew and why they were not able to rescue or alert the passengers. She also wanted to see if additional regulations are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Via press release, Feinstein stated "It's inconceivable that with all the safety regulations we have in place today, a fire on a boat can lead to the loss of life we saw this morning near Santa Cruz Island".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Houck|first=Kristina |url=https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/25-dead-9-missing-after-boat-catches-fire-santa-cruz-island|title=California Boat Fire: 34 Presumed Dead, Rescue Suspended|website=Patch |date=September 3, 2019|access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=4E81BB8E-96A1-4997-AD17-536C1AE8B125 |title=Feinstein Calls for Interagency Investigation into Tragic Boat Fire |date=September 2, 2019 |author=Feinstein, Dianne |publisher=Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator for California |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref>

The [[National Transportation Safety Board]] (NTSB) launched a go team on September 3 to the accident to investigate. The on-scene portion of the investigation was scheduled to last for ten days, with the objective to determine the cause of the fire and verify the safety measures that had been aboard ''Conception''.<ref name=SFG-190903 /> The [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] launched its own safety investigation focused principally on regulation adherence and on determining if enforcement action was required.<ref name="100percent" /> The NTSB and other authorities toured the ''Conception''{{'}}s sister ship ''Vision'', also owned by Truth Aquatics, to evaluate how it might be evacuated in the event of a fire.<ref name=LAT-190904 /> During the tour of ''Vision'', NTSB Member [[Jennifer Homendy]] was "taken aback" by the difficulty of using the aft escape hatch. "You have to climb up a ladder and across the top bunk and then push a wooden door up. It was a tight space."<ref name=LAT-190905-2>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-05/ntsb-investigator-probing-boat-fire-taken-aback-by-small-escape-route-for-passengers |title=NTSB investigator in boat fire 'taken aback' by small escape route for passengers |author=Puente, Mark |date=September 5, 2019 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> Speaking on September 3, Member Homendy said she was "one hundred percent confident that we will learn the why and the how" behind the accident.<ref name="100percent">{{Cite web|last1=Yamamura|first1=Jean|url=https://www.independent.com/2019/09/03/conception-fire-under-ntsb-investigation/|title='Conception' Fire Under NTSB Investigation|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=September 9, 2019|work=Santa Barbara Independent}}</ref>

[[File:NTSB B-roll - Vision lower deck bunks (escape hatch to salon).jpg|thumb|left|NTSB official using the aft (salon) escape hatch on sister dive boat ''Vision'']]
Agents with the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] (ATF) immediately responded, but investigatory agents did not arrive until September 7, to investigate the point of ignition and cause of the blaze.<ref name="22identified" /> Search warrants were served on September 8 for the Truth Aquatics offices and the two remaining boats in its fleet.<ref name=SBI-190909>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.com/2019/09/09/truth-aquatics-preemptively-fends-off-lawsuits/ |title=Truth Aquatics Preemptively Fends Off Lawsuits |author=Smith, Delaney |date=September 9, 2019 |newspaper=Santa Barbara Independent |access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref> On September 9, law enforcement sources told the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' that a joint federal criminal investigation was underway, led by the Coast Guard, joined by the FBI and ATF, and under the oversight of the [[United States Attorney]] for Los Angeles. The focus of the investigation is on records retrieved from the offices of Truth Aquatics, prompted by a preliminary investigation which indicated potential deficiencies in crew training, passenger safety briefings, and the failure to use a roaming "night watchman".<ref name=LAT-190909>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-09/california-boat-fire-criminal-probe-launched-safety |title=California boat fire: Criminal probe launched with focus on possible safety lapses, sources say |author1=Winton, Richard |author2=Ormseth, Matthew |author3=Puente, Mark |date=September 9, 2019 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref>

On September 11, the Coast Guard announced it would convene a formal [[Marine Board of Investigation]] (MBI) for the fire and loss of ''Conception''. The four members of the MBI will determine contributing factors, including whether the actions of certified people or any Coast Guard or government personnel may have contributed to the loss.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-convenes-highest-level-marine-casualty-investigation-into-loss-of-conception/2019/09/11/ |title=Coast Guard convenes highest-level marine casualty investigation into loss of Conception |date=September 11, 2019 |work=Coast Guard News |access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> The Coast Guard named Captain Jason Neubauer as the chair of the MBI.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/coast-guard-opens-investigation-into-conception-boat-fire/ |title=Coast Guard Opens Investigation Into Conception Boat Fire |author=Solis, Nathan |date=September 11, 2019 |work=Courthouse News Service |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref> However, the MBI had not been convened by October 2020.<ref name=NTSB-MAR-2003/>{{rp|80}}

The wreck was examined by government officials after it was retrieved and brought to [[Port Hueneme, California|Port Hueneme]] on September 13; the ATF examination concluded September 27, but no immediate cause of the fire was determined.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-27/california-boat-fire-atf-finishes-exam-of-wreckage-investigation-continues|title=California boat fire: ATF finishes exam of wreckage; no cause determined yet|last1=Winton|first1=Richard|last2=Puente|first2=Mark|date=2019-09-27|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2019-09-28}}</ref> Some parts of the boat have been removed and sent to laboratories for further examination.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/b2f13d65cf1c403eb964337233761090 |title=APNewsBreak: Cause of deadly boat fire still a mystery |author=Dazio, Stefanie |date=September 27, 2019 |work=AP News |access-date=2 October 2019}}</ref>

=== Salvage ===
[[File:190904-G-ZX620-0009.jpg|thumb|right|DB ''Salta Verde'' at Santa Cruz Island (September 2019)]]
[[Crane vessel|Derrick barge]] ''Salta Verde'' ({{MMSI|367507960}}) arrived at Santa Cruz Island to assist with the [[Marine salvage|salvage operation]] on September 4.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/Videos/?videoid=707250 |title=MV Conception salvage barge arrives |date=September 4, 2019 |author=Kelley, Patrick |publisher=United States Coast Guard |access-date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813132615/https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/Videos/?videoid=707250 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Divers examined the wreckage to prepare to raise it, but high winds and heavy seas hampered the recovery plans.<ref name=Reuters-190905 /> ''Conception'' had settled on the bottom upside-down; the first attempt to roll the boat upright and raise it was planned for September 6, but recovery efforts would be delayed if the windy conditions had continued.<ref name="SJM-190906">{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/09/06/dive-boat-fire-crews-hope-to-recover-conception-today/ |title=Dive boat fire: Crews hope to recover Conception today |last=Savidge|first=Nico |date=September 6, 2019 |newspaper=The Mercury News |access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref> The FBI assisted this portion of the investigation due to their experience in evidence preservation.<ref name="22identified" /> [[Side-scan sonar]] was used to image the boat ''in situ'' and video was taken of the undisturbed wreckage prior to lifting.<ref name="nosprinkle" /> Divers were required throughout the process to monitor the lift and look for the last victim.<ref name="22identified" />

''Conception'' was rolled upright while underwater on September 6. Continued adverse weather conditions prevented the raising of the wreck<ref name=SBI-190909 /> until September 12.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nypost.com/2019/09/12/charred-conception-dive-boat-ruins-brought-to-surface-by-salvage-crew/ |title=Charred Conception dive boat ruins brought to surface by salvage crew |author=Bowden, Ebony |date=September 12, 2019 |newspaper=New York Post |access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> DB&nbsp;''Salta Verde'' transported the boat to a secure location at [[Naval Base Ventura County]] through the [[Port of Hueneme]] on September 13.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/ea038cd11f174479b822c90d1941b1d2 |title=Boat fire wreckage taken to navy base for investigation |author1=Dazio, Stefanie |author2=Melley, Brian |date=September 13, 2019 |work=AP News |access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> The wreck of ''Conception'' was inspected over the next thirteen days by the Coast Guard, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Santa Barbara Fire Department. National Transportation Safety Board investigators were permitted to examine the wreck on September 24 and 25.<ref name=DCA19MM047-sfg/>{{rp|22}}

=== Cause ===
[[File:NTSB B-roll - Vision salon (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Aft wall of main deck cabin on sister dive boat ''Vision'', showing bookcase and power strips for charging electronics]]
The NTSB expected to conclude its investigation and declare a cause after twelve to eighteen months of investigations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/ntsb-expects-full-report-california-boat-fire-12/story?id=65409922 |title=NTSB expects full report on California boat fire in 12 to 18 months |author=Mansell, William |date=September 5, 2019 |work=ABC News |access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref> One of the surviving crew members theorized the fire may have started in the salon of the ship, where cellphones and cameras had been plugged in to charge overnight. The designer of the vessel speculated the fire may have begun in the bunk area, possibly sparked by a lithium battery.<ref name=LAT-190905>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-05/what-caused-fire-aboard-the-conception|title=Surviving crew member thought phone charging station might have sparked boat fire|last1=Fry|first1=Hannah|date=September 5, 2019|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 5, 2019 |last2=Christensen |first2=Kim |last3=Rust |first3=Susanne |last4=Shalby |first4=Colleen}}</ref> Boats made at the time the ''Conception'' was built were not installed with electrical systems that could handle the number of rechargeable devices carried by current passengers, who often bring cell phones, cameras, and lighting systems for their dives. The sheer number of devices charging at once may have overloaded circuits, or the devices' [[lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]] may have overloaded.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-19/the-conception-wasnt-built-to-power-the-personal-electronics-revolution-could-this-have-caused-fire | title = California boat fire: Conception wasn't built to charge dozens of phones and cameras. Did this cause the blaze? | first = Richard | last= Winton |date =September 20, 2019 | access-date= September 20, 2019 | work = Los Angeles Times }}</ref> In October 2018, two passengers aboard the sister ship ''Vision'' saw a battery and charger catch on fire in the aft portion of the salon; one unplugged it and dunked it in a bin of rinse water, and the other emptied a fire extinguisher onto the aft bookcase where it had been plugged in.<ref>{{cite interview |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638839.pdf |title=Interview Summary |subject=Kenneth Dehler |interviewer=Adam Tucker |date=August 13, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=24 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638840.pdf |title=Interview Summary |subject=Jeffery Fay |interviewer=Adam Tucker |date=August 13, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=24 October 2020}}</ref>

The NTSB planned to take remnants of any devices charging in the boat to their headquarters near Washington, D.C. for further examination.<ref name="22identified" /> On September 10, the Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 008–19, immediately advising owners, operators, and masters of passenger vessels to limit "the unsupervised charging of lithium-ion batteries and extensive use of power strips and extension cords".<ref name=MSIB-008-19>{{cite web |url=https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/MSIB/2019/MSIB_008_19.pdf?ver=2019-09-10-115632-287 |title=MSIB 008-19: Passenger vessel compliance and operational readiness |date=September 10, 2019 |publisher=Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Inspections and Compliance Directorate |access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

=== Areas of concern ===
While there were [[smoke detector]]s on the ''Conception'', the surviving crew did not believe any alarms sounded before they discovered the fire. The detectors were of the standard type for home use, which, at the time both ''Conception'' and ''Vision'' were built, met existing safety requirements.<ref name="latimes 20190905-2">{{cite web | url = https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-05/california-boat-fire-victims-crew-members-passengers | title = Surviving crew members said boat fire was too intense to save any passengers | first =Mark | last = Puente | date = September 5, 2019 | access-date = September 5, 2019 | work = Los Angeles Times }}</ref> MSIB 008-19 also advised that firefighting and lifesaving equipment should be checked immediately to ensure it is onboard and operational.<ref name=MSIB-008-19/> According to the preliminary NTSB report, the two smoke alarms were locally-sounding (i.e., not connected to any wheelhouse alarms), located in the lower deck bunkroom.<ref name=prelim-DCA19MM047/>

According to the ''Los Angeles Times'', the preliminary investigation identified the lack of a roaming [[Watch system|night watch]] as a safety deficiency,<ref name="latimes 20190905-2" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-12/all-conception-crew-members-were-sleeping-when-boat-fire-broke-out-ntsb-says |title=All Conception crew members were sleeping when boat fire broke out, NTSB says |author1=Puente, Mark |author2=Winton, Richard |author3=Miller, Leia |author4=Fry, Hannah |date=September 12, 2019 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> in violation of the conditions in the vessel's Certificate of Inspection<ref name=Conception-CoI/> and [[Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations|46 C.F.R.]] § 185.410.<ref>{{cite web |title=46 CFR § 185.410 - Watchmen |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2018-title46-vol7/xml/CFR-2018-title46-vol7-sec185-410.xml |publisher=Code of Federal Regulations |access-date=12 September 2019 |quote=The owner, charterer, master, or managing operator of a vessel carrying overnight passengers shall have a suitable number of watchmen patrol throughout the vessel during the nighttime, whether or not the vessel is underway, to guard against, and give alarm in case of, a fire, man overboard, or other dangerous situation.}}</ref> MSIB 008-19 advised owners, operators, and masters to review the vessel's Certificate of Inspection to ensure that crewmembers are aware of and understand any conditional requirements, including any crewmember obligations during an emergency. In addition, emergency escapes were to be clearly identified, verified functional, and free of obstructions.<ref name=MSIB-008-19 />

===Preliminary report===
NTSB issued a preliminary report on the fire on September 12.<ref name=prelim-DCA19MM047/> While the cause of the fire had not yet been determined, the Board believed the fire had spread through the boat while all of the crew had been asleep, despite regulations requiring one crew member to be awake on night watch.<ref name=BFN-190912>{{cite web | url = https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonwells/dive-boat-fire-preliminary-report-ntsb | title = The Fire That Killed 34 People On A California Dive Boat Spread While The Entire Crew Was Asleep, Investigators Say | first = Jason | last= Wells | date = September 12, 2019 | access-date = September 12, 2019 | work = [[BuzzFeed News]] }}</ref> A lawyer representing Truth Aquatics disputed this assertion, and stated that one crew member had checked on the galley area around 2:30&nbsp;a.m. on September 2.<ref name=APL-190912>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/45ee80b7ea2642b09866fb4854edb39d |title=The Latest: All 34 victims of California boat fire ID'd |agency=Associated Press |work=AP News |date=September 12, 2019 |access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> Officials believed that all the deceased sleeping below decks had died from smoke inhalation before they were burned.<ref name=AP-190906/>

===Findings and public hearing===
[[File:Conception wreckage layout (50513457097).png|thumb|upright=1.2|Wreckage from the vessel arranged by deck]]
On August 31, 2020, the NTSB advised families that it had substantially completed its investigation, and would publish evidence and interviews before a public hearing and a vote on findings in October.<ref name=LAT-200831>{{cite web | url = https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-31/ntsb-conception-boat-fire-investigation-findings-scheduled | title = Conception dive boat disaster: Feds to reveal cause of blaze that killed 34 | first = Richard | last= Winton | date = August 31, 2020 | access-date = September 8, 2020 | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] }}</ref> The NTSB released findings from its report on the incident on October 20, 2020. The report stated that the deaths may have been prevented if the boat had a roving watchman, as required by regulations.<ref name=AP-2020-10-20>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/labor-day-fires-transportation-california-55958fced5e71dc0e208aba142006697 |title=California boat owners faulted for fire that killed 34 |author1=Dazio, Stefanie |author2=Krisher, Tom |date=October 20, 2020 |work=AP News |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref> Investigators found several bodies wearing shoes, and believed that some of the victims may have been awake and trying to escape before being overcome by smoke.<ref name=AP-2020-10-20/> In the final report, the NTSB concluded "most of the victims were awake but could not escape the bunkroom before all were overcome by smoke inhalation", based on their state of dress and evidence demonstrating that several had left their bunks and had gathered belongings for escape.<ref name=NTSB-MAR-2003/>{{rp|62}}

Although the NTSB was not able to determine the definitive cause of the fire, the likely origin point was in the aft part of the salon, and the most likely sources included the electrical distribution system, unattended battery charging, or improperly discarded smoking materials.<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis>{{cite report |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/Documents/2020-DCA19MM047-BMG-abstract.pdf |title=Fire Aboard Small Passenger Vessel Conception, Platts Harbor, Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island, 21.5 miles South-Southwest of Santa Barbara, California {{!}} September 2, 2019 {{!}} DCA19MM047 |date=October 20, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref> Member Homendy added "Some people may walk away and say, 'Well, I wish I knew what the ignition source was.' But the key here is that the focus should be on conditions were present that allowed the fire to go undetected and to grow to a point where it prevented the evacuation."<ref name=AP-2020-10-20/>

Because of the pending criminal investigation of the fatal fire, the NTSB was requested to not interview the ship's captain, the first galley hand, or any Truth Aquatics employee responsible for operations. Company records were seized during a search of the company's offices and two remaining vessels that occurred from September 8 to 10, 2019; the NTSB was not granted access to any of the seized information until February 2020.<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis/>

===Probable cause===
The NTSB concluded "the probable cause of the accident on board the small passenger vessel ''Conception'' was the failure of Truth Aquatics, Inc., to provide effective oversight of its vessel and crewmember operations, including requirements to ensure that a roving patrol was maintained, which allowed a fire of unknown cause to grow, undetected, in the vicinity of the aft salon on the main deck."<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis/> Member Homendy stated "I hate the term accident in this case because, in my opinion, it is not an accident if you fail to operate your company safely", and NTSB Chairman [[Robert L. Sumwalt (U.S. government official)|Robert Sumwalt]] admonished Truth Aquatics to "clean up your act."<ref name=AP-2020-10-20/> In the report synopsis, the NTSB also concluded "Truth Aquatics had been deviating from required safe practices for some time" and added that "Truth Aquatics provided ineffective safety oversight of its vessels' operations", based on observations of existing unsafe practices, including the lack of a roving patrol, failure to train the crew, and failure to hold emergency drills.<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis/> The Coast Guard issued MSIB 03–20 on February 6, 2020, recommending that small passenger vessel owners and operators voluntarily establish a safety management system to identify and mitigate potential hazards.<ref name=MSIB-03-20>{{cite web |url=https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/MSIB/2020/MSIB-03-20_Resources_for_voluntarily_establishing_a_SMS.pdf |title=Marine Safety Information Bulletin 03-20: Resources for Voluntarily Establishing a Safety Management System |publisher=United States Coast Guard |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref> A spokesman for the Coast Guard stated the agency had embarked on a concentrated inspection campaign for every small passenger vessel with overnight accommodations shortly after the preliminary results had been determined.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article245443280.html |title=One year later, here's what we know about Santa Barbara dive boat fire that killed 34 |author=Holland, Brooke |date=September 2, 2020 |newspaper=San Luis Obispo Tribune |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref>

Because the required Coast Guard vessel inspection occurs in port, without passengers embarked, there is no way to verify compliance with the night patrol requirement.<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis/> The Coast Guard has not cited any owner, operator, or charterer with a violation or fine for failing to post a roving patrol since 1991, demonstrating the agency's failure to enforce the requirement.<ref name=AP-2020-10-20/> Chairman Sumwalt stated "The ''Conception'' may have passed all Coast Guard inspections, but that did not make it safe" while explaining the NTSB's recommended changes to existing inspection programs and vessel regulations.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20201020.aspx |title=NTSB Calls for Major Safety Improvements to Small Passenger Vessels |date=October 20, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref> The NTSB has no regulatory enforcement ability and relies on other agencies to implement the recommendations from its investigations. Sumwalt added "This tragedy did not need to happen. We hope that our actions from today will prevent such disaster in the future."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-dive-boat-fire-update/103-f4e1b4cb-a495-4899-93b0-aaee728f3e20 |title=Safety board: Lack of oversight blamed for deadly boat fire |author1=Dazio, Stefanie |author2=Krisher, Tom |date=October 20, 2020 |agency=AP |work=KXTV ABC10 News |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref>

Truth Aquatics was also faulted for "deviating from required safe practices for some time" prior to the accident, despite their reputation for operating, according to a former captain of the sister boat ''Vision'', "the safest boats on the coast".<ref name=NTSB-MAR-2003/>{{rp|70}} Uncredentialed deckhands were allowed to direct movement of the vessel, contradicting Subchapter T regulations. New crewmembers were not required to read and understand emergency procedures prior to getting underway. Fire drills were not held regularly. Passenger briefings were not conducted as soon as possible after leaving port. Collectively, the NTSB called it "a habitual disregard for rules, policies, and procedures" and the resulting [[normalization of deviance]] could have been discovered earlier if Truth Aquatics "had been actively engaged in ensuring the safe practices required by regulations were being followed".<ref name=NTSB-MAR-2003/>{{rp|71–72}}

===Contributing causes===
In addition, the contributing causes were determined to be the inadequate regulation of smoke detection in all accommodation spaces, and inadequate emergency escape arrangements. Existing regulations only required modular smoke detector(s) in overnight accommodation spaces;<ref>{{CodeFedReg|46|181|405|c}}</ref> because the fire likely started in the salon, away from the passenger berths and the galley area, the fire was already well-developed by the time the smoke and heat detectors could alarm. If the smoke detectors were deployed in all passenger spaces, not just their sleeping berths, and were interconnected so that all would alarm when any one detected smoke, that would have increased the chance the fire could have been detected early enough to allow for effective firefighting and evacuation.<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis/>

The inadequacy of escape arrangements was also highlighted. Bunks immediately underneath the secondary exit hatch were cited as an obstacle.<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis/> NTSB Member Michael E. Graham stated "I don't see how an average human with a life jacket on could get up through that hatch ... without being a contortionist."<ref name=AP-2020-10-20/> The NTSB reported "the [secondary hatch] escape path would have been challenging for anyone to navigate without practice and would have been further complicated by low lighting and poor visibility due to smoke from the fire."<ref name=NTSB-MAR-2003/>{{rp|68}} Also, both the primary stairway and secondary hatch exits led to the salon, which was already engulfed in fire, blocking egress for everyone below the main deck.<ref name=DCA19MM047-synopsis/> In the final investigation report, the NTSB concluded "if regulations had required the escape hatch to exit to a space other than the salon, optimally directly to the weather deck, the passengers and crewmember in the bunkroom would have likely been able to escape."<ref name=NTSB-MAR-2003>{{cite report |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAR2003.pdf |title=Marine Accident Report NTSB/MAR-20/03 {{!}} PB2020-101011 |date=October 20, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref>{{rp|viii}}

===ATF investigation===
[[File:MV_Conception_stairway.jpg|thumb|Stairway of the MV ''Conception'' with a combustible [[Rubbermaid]] Slim Jim polyethylene trash can in 2019.]]
A confidential ATF report authored in January 2021, and reported in September 2023, concluded that the fire began in a plastic trash can below the stairs leading up to the main deck, which blocked the escape route of passengers from the bottom deck.<ref name="latimes-winston-atf">{{Cite web |last=Winton |first=Richard |date=2023-09-02 |title=Conception boat fire that killed 34 people started in plastic trash can, confidential report says |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-09-02/deadly-conception-boat-fire-started-in-plastic-trash-can-atf-report-reveals |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905231743/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-09-02/deadly-conception-boat-fire-started-in-plastic-trash-can-atf-report-reveals|url-status=live|archive-date=2023-09-05}}</ref> The ATF's investigation used burn tests simulated on a full-scale recreation of the vessel's main deck, and found that the flames would have blocked all escape routes soon after ignition, and any winds blowing would have spread the fire even more quickly. Contrary to the NTSB's investigation, the ATF found that there was no evidence to support that the fire originated from a power strip where passenger's batteries were charging.<ref name="latimes-winston-atf"/>

== Legal action ==
Truth Aquatics filed a lawsuit on September 5, 2019, in the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California]], seeking to limit its liability under the [[Limitation of Liability Act of 1851]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Macias Jr, Martin |date=September 6, 2019 |title=Dive Boat Owners Seek to Head Off Lawsuits Through Old Maritime Law |work=Courthouse News Service |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/dive-boat-owners-seek-to-head-off-lawsuits-through-old-maritime-law/ |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP |date=September 5, 2019 |title=Case No. 2:19-cv-07693: Complaint for exoneration from or limitation of liability |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TruthAquaticsConception-COMPLAINT.pdf |publisher=United States District Court for the Central District of California}}</ref> This was an apparent attempt to limit its liability for monetary damages to the value of the ship.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 6, 2019 |title=California diving boat owners seek to head off lawsuits after 34 die in fire |work=[[NBC News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-diving-boat-owners-seek-head-lawsuits-after-34-die-n1050691 |access-date=September 6, 2019}}</ref> Under the terms of the lawsuit, the ship valuation was assessed after it sank; because the insurer had deemed it a total wreck, the value was {{USD|0}}.

The first lawsuit against Truth Aquatics was filed one week later on September 12, by one of the surviving crew members from ''Conception''. The civil lawsuit, filed in [[Ventura County Superior Court]] against Truth Aquatics and Worldwide Diving Adventures, claimed the crew had not received proper training nor was the boat outfitted with appropriate emergency equipment.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reyes-Velarde |first=Alejandra |date=September 19, 2019 |title=California boat fire: Crew member says Conception was unsafe in suit against owners |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-19/conception-crew-member-who-survived-deadly-fire-sues-dive-boat-company |access-date=September 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Diskin, Megan |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Conception dive boat owner facing lawsuit, adding to history of alleged negligence |newspaper=Ventura County Star |url=https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2019/09/19/injured-crewman-sues-conception-dive-boat-owner-fiery-disaster/2376302001/ |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Arnold & Itkin LLP |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Complaint for Damages |url=https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/86/77/4268adc74efe87b73bac562a2961/plaintiffs-original-complaint-for-damages-9.12.19.pdf |access-date=28 October 2020 |publisher=Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Ventura}}</ref>

A counterclaim against the original limitation of liability suit was filed in November 2019 by the spouse of a passenger who died aboard ''Conception'', seeking funeral expenses and wrongful death, survival, and [[punitive damages]].<ref>{{cite news |date=November 13, 2019 |title=First Lawsuit Filed in Connection with Conception Dive Boat Fire |work=The Maritime Executive |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/first-lawsuit-filed-in-connection-with-conception-dive-boat-fire |access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Melley, Brian |author2=Dazio, Stefanie |date=November 11, 2019 |title=Widow sues boat owner in fire off California that killed 34 |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/4e1a8d819de94dc4883158d90c276912 |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref> In January 2020, attorneys representing the families of four victims also responded to the original suit with wrongful death claims, claiming "The defendants killed these victims by breaking the law and failing to have a roving night watch whose job was to prevent the very catastrophe that occurred."<ref>{{cite news |last=Yamamura |first=Jean |date=January 14, 2020 |title=Families Sue Truth Aquatics over 'Conception' Fire |work=Santa Barbara Independent |url=https://www.independent.com/2020/01/14/families-sue-truth-aquatics-over-conception-fire/ |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Macias Jr, Martin |date=January 13, 2020 |title=Families of Victims in Southern California Dive Boat Fire Sue |work=Courthouse News Service |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/families-of-victims-in-southern-california-dive-boat-fire-sue/ |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref> By December 2020, 32 of the victims' families had filed claims against Truth Aquatics.<ref name="AP-2020-12-04">{{cite news |author=Dazio, Stefanie |date=December 4, 2020 |title=Families of 34 California boat fire victims grieve, advocate |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/fires-california-coronavirus-pandemic-dee83a2024988aafff335d0788155440 |access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref> {{as of|2020|12|09}}, Truth Aquatics had sold its two remaining liveaboard dive vessels. Truth Aquatics agreed to pause their earlier suit to limit liability until the lawsuits filed by the families of the victims are resolved.<ref name="AP-2021-03-11">{{cite news |date=March 11, 2021 |title=Owner of boat that burned, killing 34, sells other vessels |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/california-75e870c372a809a28afe77000719584a |access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref>

A criminal investigation against the captain was carried out in summer 2020.<ref name="AP-2020-10-20" /><ref>{{cite news |author1=Melley, Brian |author2=Dazio, Stefanie |date=September 1, 2020 |title=Criminal charges loom in California boat fire that killed 34 |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/678d87b634d018a0b36e5be33acbca67 |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref> In December 2020, the [[United States Attorney]]'s office for the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California#United States Attorney for the Central District of California|Central District of California]] announced the captain of the Conception had been indicted by a federal grand jury for 34 counts of [[Seaman's Manslaughter Statute|seaman's manslaughter]];<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/federal-grand-jury-charges-dive-boat-captain-seaman-s-manslaughter-fire-santa-barbara |title=Federal Grand Jury Charges Dive Boat Captain with Seaman's Manslaughter in Fire off Santa Barbara Coast that Killed 34 People |date=December 1, 2020 |publisher=United States Department of Justice, The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California |access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref> the text of the indictment stated that the captain was responsible for the disaster "by his misconduct, negligence, and inattention to his duties".<ref>{{cite web |date=December 1, 2020 |title=United States of America v. Jerry Nehl Boylan, Case 2:20-cr-00600-GW {{!}} Indictment |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ConceptionFire-BoylanINDICT.pdf |access-date=20 May 2021 |publisher=United States District Court for the Central District of California}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-12-02 |title=Conception boat fire: Captain charged over 34 deaths in California |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55153921 |access-date=2020-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Flores |first=Jessica |date=December 1, 2020 |title=California boat captain indicted on manslaughter charges for 2019 fire that killed 34 people aboard Conception |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/12/01/conception-captain-indicted-california-boat-fire-jerry-boylan/3789052001/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He pleaded not guilty to the charges in February 2021.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Dazio, Stefanie |author2=Melley, Brian |date=February 16, 2021 |title=Captain pleads not guilty to manslaughter in boat fire |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/us-news-los-angeles-fires-california-laws-fdb31b2ff6cfe2a957e25944e46354fe |access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref> In August 2022, the judge dismissed his indictment as defective [[without prejudice]] because prosecutors used ''[[negligence]]'' instead of ''[[gross negligence]]'' in their presentation to the grand jury.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winton |first=Richard |date=2022-09-03 |title=Feds say captain saved himself as California boat fire killed 34. But prosecution hits a wall |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-03/captain-conception-boat-fire-killed-34-people-prosecution-case |access-date=2022-09-04 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> A new indictment was issued on October 18, 2022.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/federal-grand-jury-issues-new-indictment-conception-boat-fire |title=Federal Grand Jury Issues New Indictment in Conception Boat Fire |date=October 18, 2022 |publisher=United States Department of Justice, The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California |access-date=22 December 2022}}</ref> On November 6, 2023, the captain, Jerry Nehl Boylan, was found guilty of one count of misconduct or neglect of ship officer, colloquially known as "seaman’s manslaughter". Boylan was freed on $75,000 bond before being sentenced on May 2, 2024, to four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his criminal negligence.<ref>{{cite web |title=Captain sentenced to 4 years for criminal negligence in fiery deaths of 34 aboard scuba boat |url=https://apnews.com/article/boat-fire-california-captain-boylan-sentencing-79f032df2cc6ae1140eb8ca6bc87e837 |publisher=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Central District of California {{!}} Captain of Santa Barbara-Based Dive Boat that Burned and Sank, Resulting in 34 Deaths, Found Guilty of Felony Federal Offense {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/captain-santa-barbara-based-dive-boat-burned-and-sank-resulting-34-deaths-found-guilty |website=www.justice.gov |access-date=7 November 2023 |language=en |date=6 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PACER Court website Central District of California {{!}}   |url=https://ecf.cacd.uscourts.gov/doc1/031141282027}} Retrieved 21 November 2023 </ref>

The families of the victims filed a federal lawsuit against the Coast Guard in September 2021, alleging that its failure to enforce regulations led to the fire and deaths.<ref>{{cite news |author=Winton, Richard |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Families of 34 who died in Conception dive boat disaster sue Coast Guard |newspaper=Stars and Stripes |agency=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/coast_guard/2021-09-02/dive-boat-fire-coast-guard-lawsuit-2749702.html |access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref>

== Aftermath ==
California Governor [[Gavin Newsom]] issued a statement through [[Twitter]] praising the efforts of the emergency medical workers and offering his condolences to the families and loved ones affected.<ref name=NYT-190902 />

[[File:Conception Memorial, Santa Barbara Harbor breakwater - 50489276923.jpg|thumb|right|''Conception'' and "Lost at Sea" memorials, Santa Barbara Harbor breakwater (2020)]]
A makeshift memorial was created outside Sea Landing, the headquarters of Truth Aquatics in Santa Barbara Harbor.<ref name=AP-190902 /><ref name=LAT-190904 /> A vigil was scheduled for September 6 with first responders taking part in the open-to-all event, which was organised by local religious groups, divers, and other organisations.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Yamamura|first1=Jean|url=https://www.independent.com/2019/09/05/vigil-for-conception-victims-to-take-place-friday/|title=Vigil for 'Conception' Victims to Take Place Friday|date=September 5, 2019|access-date=September 9, 2019|work=Santa Barbara Independent}}</ref> The memorial was moved from Sea Landing to the end of the harbor breakwater in November 2019,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://keyt.com/lifestyle/community/2019/11/12/conception-memorial-moved-to-breakwater-permanent-memorial-planned/ |title=Conception memorial moved to Breakwater, permanent memorial planned |author=Drescher, Kacey |date=November 12, 2019 |work=KEYT News |access-date=15 October 2020}}</ref> adjacent to the existing "Lost at Sea" memorial, sculpted by Bud Bottoms and dedicated in June 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-jul-02-tm-dolphins27-story.html |title=Saved by Dolphins |author=Fessier Jr, Michael |date=July 2, 2006 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=15 October 2020 |url-access=limited}}</ref> A permanent memorial for the victims of the ''Conception'' fire was dedicated at the site on September 2, 2020, the first anniversary of the disaster;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/a8fee479a374ea4f6c5de8281429b305 |title=Santa Barbara unveils memorial to 34 dive boat fire victims |date=September 2, 2020 |work=AP News |access-date=15 October 2020}}</ref> the list of victims was written on a plaque and affixed to a boulder in Platts Cove.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abc7.com/boat-fire-conception-1-year-anniversary-ntsb/6405262/ |title=Conception boat fire: Loved ones dedicate underwater memorial to honor victims on 1-year anniversary |author=Hayes, Rob |date=September 3, 2020 |work=ABC 7 |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref> Another memorial is being designed for a planned California Islands museum in [[Carpinteria, California|Carpinteria]], incorporating one of the propellers from ''Conception''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/human-interest/2020/10/21/monument-planned-to-honor-conception-boat-fire-victims |title=Monument Planned to Honor Conception Boat Fire Victims |author=Brunell, Natalie |date=October 20, 2020 |work=Spectrum News 1 |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Sealanding (4404131839).jpg|thumb|left|The Truth Aquatics offices were in Sea Landing at the Santa Barbara Harbor]]
Truth Aquatics suspended operations on their remaining two boats following the disaster.<ref name=Reuters-190905 /> The voluntary suspension was made indefinite in October 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/b5db95f3290249378230f829e2421231 |title=California boat company suspends tours after fatal fire |author=Dazio, Stefanie |date=October 1, 2019 |work=AP News |access-date=2 October 2019}}</ref>

In June 2020, the Coast Guard awarded the [[Coast Guard Public Service Awards|Meritorious Public Service Award]], one of its highest civilian honors, to Paul Amaral, captain of the TowBoat US vessel that towed the still-burning ''Conception'' into deeper waters.<ref name="Diskin" />

{{clear}}

== Legacy ==

The [[United States House of Representatives]] [[Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation]] held a hearing on November 14, 2019, to discuss commercial and passenger vessel safety.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/subcommittee-on-coast-guard-and-maritime-transportation-hearing-on-commercial-and-passenger-vessel-safety-challenges-and-opportunities |title=Hearing: Commercial and Passenger Vessel Safety: Challenges and Opportunities |date=November 14, 2019 |publisher=House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation |access-date=21 November 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213041207/https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/subcommittee-on-coast-guard-and-maritime-transportation-hearing-on-commercial-and-passenger-vessel-safety-challenges-and-opportunities |url-status=dead }}</ref> Brian Curtis, the director of the NTSB's Office of Marine Safety, testified before the Subcommittee, reiterating the investigation into the sinking of ''Conception'' was still in progress and that it would focus on the wreck itself as well as other factors such as current regulations, fire alarm and warning systems, evacuation routes, training, and company policies and procedures.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://transportation.house.gov/imo/media/doc/Curtis%20NTSB%20Testimony.pdf |title=Testimony of Brian Curtis, Director, Office of Marine Safety, National Transportation Safety Board |publisher=House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation |access-date=21 November 2019 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211200833/https://transportation.house.gov/imo/media/doc/Curtis%20NTSB%20Testimony.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Members of the Subcommittee asked the Coast Guard representative, Rear Admiral Richard Timme, what actions the Coast Guard was taking after the ''Los Angeles Times'' published an investigative story on November 12 stating the Coast Guard had often failed to implement safety recommendations from the NTSB.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-11-12/conception-boat-fire-coast-guard-ntsb-recommendations |title=Boat fire: Coast Guard repeatedly rejected calls for tougher boat safety rules |url-access=limited |author1=Winton, Richard |author2=Puente, Mark |date=November 12, 2019 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> In response, Timme vowed the Coast Guard would "wholly fulfill our regulatory oversight role to keep the maritime public safe" and would adopt new regulations immediately after they are published by an internal task force developing inspection rules for vessels similar to ''Conception''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-11-14/deadly-boat-fire-coast-guard-congressional-hearing |title=Boat fire: Coast Guard will reconsider vessel safety improvements that were earlier rejected |url-access=limited |author1=Winton, Richard |author2=Puente, Mark |date=November 14, 2019 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref>

In December 2019, Rep. [[Salud Carbajal]], whose district includes Santa Barbara, Rep. [[Julia Brownley]], and Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced the Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 2019 to mandate some of the recommended changes.<ref>{{USBill|116|H.R.|5413}}</ref><ref>{{USBill|116|S.|3042}}</ref> The bills have been incorporated into the [[William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021|National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.com/2020/12/01/conception-captain-charged-with-seamans-manslaughter/ |title='Conception' Captain Charged with Seaman's Manslaughter |author=Yamamura, Jean |date=December 1, 2020 |newspaper=Santa Barbara Independent |access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref> The families of the victims have continued to advocate for legislation to implement the NTSB recommendations for improvements in fire and safety training and additional monitoring devices.<ref name=AP-2020-12-04/>

In its 2020 report, the NTSB recommended the Coast Guard make revisions to Title 46 ''Code of Federal Regulations'' Subchapter T, governing small passenger vessels. Recommended changes included stricter requirements for interconnected smoke detectors comprehensively deployed in all passenger accommodation spaces, development of an inspection procedure to verify that roving patrols are implemented, and secondary escape paths that provide an alternate exit point.<ref name="NTSB-MAR-2003" />{{rp|ix–x;76}} Another key recommendation was to establish regulations to require marine vessel operators to implement a safety management system; this was a repeated recommendation that had been made previously after two accidents involving {{ship|MV|Andrew J. Barberi}} in 2003 and 2010.<ref name="NTSB-MAR-2003" />{{rp|53–54}}

As part of the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress directed the Coast Guard in December 2020 to review its fire safety regulations for small vessels that accommodated passengers overnight.<ref name="latimes-2022">{{Cite web |last=Winton |last2=Yee |first=Richard |first2=Gregory |date=2022-01-08 |title=More than two years after Conception dive boat fire, Coast Guard unveils new safety rules |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-01-07/conception-dive-boat-fire-coast-guard-unveils-new-safety-rules |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906202215/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-01-07/conception-dive-boat-fire-coast-guard-unveils-new-safety-rules|archive-date=2023-09-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2021, Vice Admiral [[Scott Buschman]] of the Coast Guard announced his concurrence with the NTSB recommendations.<ref>{{cite news |author=Dazio, Stefanie |date=February 11, 2021 |title=Coast Guard weighs safety reforms after fatal boat fire |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/labor-day-fires-transportation-california-97cd8c4abbf5dc95caa2aef03577519e |access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> A "concentrated [Coast Guard] inspection campaign" of vessels with overnight accommodations was undertaken after the fatal fire aboard ''Conception'', and the results of that campaign, said Buschman, will be used to update the inspection program.<ref>{{cite news |author=Winton, Richard |date=February 11, 2021 |title=Coast Guard to Enact Sweeping Safety Reforms in Wake of Deadly Conception Boat Fire |work=Military.com |agency=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/02/11/coast-guard-enact-sweeping-safety-reforms-wake-of-deadly-conception-boat-fire.html |access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref>

In December 2021, the Coast Guard issued interim rules implementing many of the safety recommendations from the NTSB's investigation report. These rules were criticized by victims' families for not creating a requirement for safety management systems on small passenger vessels,<ref name="latimes-2022"/> and a 2023 letter sent by NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy to the Coast Guard Commandant reiterated the need for a safety management system requirement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NTSB Renews Call for US Coast Guard to Strengthen Passenger Vessel Safety |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20230831.aspx |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=www.ntsb.gov|date=2023-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906203206/https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20230831.aspx|archive-date=2023-09-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of maritime disasters in the 21st century]]
* [[List of shipwrecks in 2019]]
* [[List of transportation fires]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.truthaquatics.com/conception/|title=Conception|date=September 3, 2019|website=Truth Aquatics|access-date=September 3, 2019|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904031951/https://www.truthaquatics.com/conception/|url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.truthaquatics.com/calendar/?tribe_venues%5B%5D=40&undefined=Submit&tribe_venues%5B%5D=40|title=Events Archive|date=September 3, 2019|website=Truth Aquatics|access-date=September 3, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/news/pr090219.htm|title=Conception Dive Boat Tragedy|date=September 2, 2019|website=Channel Islands National Park (U.S. National Park Service)|access-date=September 3, 2019}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.sbsheriff.org/conception-dive-boat-tragedy/|title=Conception Dive Boat Tragedy|date=September 2, 2019|website=Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office|access-date=September 3, 2019}}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://www.outsideonline.com/2409347/channel-islands-dive-boat-fire |title=A Boat Fire Killed 34 People, and We May Never Know Why |author=Miles, Kathryn |date=February 26, 2020 |magazine=Outside}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMTu5B8bnjI|title=Scuba diving Channel Islands from Conception Live-aboard|date=August 25, 2014|website=YouTube|access-date=September 4, 2019}}
* Data on ship metrics, inspections, and contacts by the United States Coast Guard are available at the [https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx USCG Maritime Information Exchange] by searching for "Conception" and scrolling to VIN 638133.
* {{MMSI Number|367098480}} for ''Conception''
* {{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638852.pdf |title=U.S. Coast Guard and Vessels, Channels 16 and 22 Radio Communications |date=September 2, 2019 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}
* {{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638857.pdf |title=U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach Situation Report, Search and Rescue/Fire/Conception |date=September 2, 2019 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}

===Investigation===
* {{cite web |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA19MM047.aspx |title=Fire Aboard Small Passenger Vessel Conception {{!}} Accident No. DCA19MM047 |date=September 2, 2019 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}
* {{cite report |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAR2003.pdf |title=Marine Accident Report NTSB/MAR-20/03 {{!}} PB2020-101011 |date=October 20, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}
* {{YouTube|id=OlS_Dy00cNY|title=NTSB Member Jennifer Homendy's First California Dive Vessel Fire Media Brief}}
* {{YouTube|id=gaunrN5eaDw|title=NTSB Member Jennifer Homendy's Second California Dive Vessel Fire Media Brief}}
* {{YouTube|id=HYpRiDhpxxc|title=NTSB Member Jennifer Homendy's Third California Dive Vessel Fire Media Brief}}
* {{YouTube|id=3Nvhdl898T0|title=NTSB B-Roll of Member Homendy and Investigators Touring Similar Vessel}} Tour of ''Vision'', showing aft (salon) escape hatch and upper deck.
* {{cite web |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms/search/hitlist.cfm?docketID=64213 |title=Docket for Accident ID DCA19MM047 |date=September 16, 2020 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board, Docket Management System}}
** {{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638762.pdf |title=Operations Group Chairman's Factual Report |date=August 19, 2020 |author=Ehlers, Andrew |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}
** {{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638789.pdf |title=Engineering Group Chairman's Factual Report |date=August 18, 2020 |author=Barnum, Barton |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}
** {{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638762.pdf |title=Fire and Explosions Group Chairman's Factual Report |date=May 7, 2020 |author=Tucker, Adam |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}
** {{cite report |url=https://dms.ntsb.gov/public/64000-64499/64213/638762.pdf |title=Survival Factors Group Chairman's Factual Report |date=September 4, 2020 |author=Muise, Marcel L. |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}

===Lawsuits===
* {{cite web |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16160794/in-the-matter-of-the-complaint-of-truth-aquatics-inc-and-glen-richard/ |title=In the Matter of the Complaint of Truth Aquatics, Inc. and Glen Richard Fritzler and Dana Jeanne Fritzler (2:19-cv-07693) |date=2019 |website=Court Listener}}

{{2019 shipwrecks}}
{{Underwater diving|hisdiv}}
{{Portal bar|Greater Los Angeles|Transport}}

[[Category:2019 in California]]
[[Category:2019 fires in the United States]]
[[Category:Boating accident deaths]]
[[Category:Fires in California]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2019|Conception]]
[[Category:September 2019 events in the United States]]
[[Category:Ship fires|Conception]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks of the California coast|Conception]]