The names of the boat's passengers were not made available. Authorities say they're working to notify next of kin of those who died.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – All 33 passengers and one crew member are assumed dead after a tragic boat fire early Monday that occurred in open water off the California coast.
The crew members took their dinghy to a private fishing boat, The Grape Escape, that was anchored near the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. The boat's owners said two of the crew members went back to look for survivors but found no one. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said the victims range from teenagers to senior citizens. A majority appear to be from the Santa Cruz region.
Authorities opened a Family Assistance Center at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara for the families of victims. In addition to various information and emotional support resources, the center is also offering DNA swabbing for families who believe their relatives are still missing, according to public information officer Amber Anderson.
The boat had been anchored in an area called Platts Harbor at Santa Cruz Island, part of the five-island Channel Islands National Park and technically a part of Santa Barbara County. At least two students and their parents, who may have been aboard during the incident, were reportedly from Pacific Collegiate School in Santa Cruz, according to KCBSTV.
Harmeling made a second post Tuesday, saying"Thank You ALL for your unconditional love and support during this incredibly tragic time." He added that "It is likely she has transitioned to be with the good Lord."Finstad co-owned the Worldwide Diving Adventures company, which chartered the Conception for a diving expedition. She had lived in Santa Cruz with her husband, who was not on the boat.
A spontaneous memorial for the victims popped up at Santa Barbara Harbor Tuesday. Jennifer Stafford came to the seaside memorial with heart-shaped pins and flowers to tie to the wharf. The longtime Santa Barbara woman said she wanted to find a way to help. A history of lawsuitsTruth Aquatics Inc. has been named in at least a dozen civil lawsuits filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court dating back to the 1980s.
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