National Transportation Safety Board investigators say crew members tried to get to trapped passengers of an excursion boat hit by fire in the Channel Islands, but couldn’t reach them.
They say the Conception's found that both hatches from the below-deck area to the deck were blocked by fire. 34 people died in the Labor Day fire.
Divers have recovered the remains of 33 victims, and are still looking for the last one. 39 people were on board the boat for a dive trip. Only five people survived.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the boat’s designer believes the blaze might have been started by lithium batteries which caught on fire as they were charging in the Conception’s bunk area. But, as is normal in investigations of this type, the NTSB isn’t commenting on theories as to what might have happened.
A Family Assistance Center set up at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara to help those who lost loved ones has been closed. Santa Barbara County officials say dozens of people passed through the center.
Meanwhile, several groups led by Santa Barbara County, and the City of Santa Barbara are organizing a community vigil to remember those who lost their lives. The event is planned for 6:30 Friday night, in Santa Barbara’s Chase Palm Park.
