DAILY REPUBLIC — Wednesday, December 2, 2020 A9
Grand jury indicts captain in Conception dive boat fire on 34 counts of manslaughter Tribune Content Agency LOS ANGELES — The captain of the Conception, the dive boat that caught fire last year off the coast of Santa Barbara, killing 34 people on board, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury on 34 counts of seaman’s manslaughter. The indictment says that as the leader of the Labor Day weekend diving tour near the Channel Islands, Jerry Boylan, 67, “was responsible for the safety and security of the vessel, its crew and its passengers,” according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles, which announced the charges. Boylan, a resident of Santa Barbara, was expected to surrender to authorities at a later date, and two federal public defenders representing him did not respond to messages seeking comment. “As a result of the alleged failures of Captain Boylan to follow wellestablished safety rules, a pleasant holiday dive trip turned into a hellish nightmare as passengers and one crew member found themselves trapped in a fiery bunkroom with no means of escape,” U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna said in a statement after the charges were announced. Family members of the 33 passengers who perished in the bunk room of the 75-foot vessel told the Los Angeles Times they were informed Tuesday afternoon of the criminal case. “I am glad they finally indicted the captain,” James Adamic said in a phone interview. His sister, Diana Adamic; brother-inlaw, Steven Salika; and
Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times/TNS file (2019)
The burned hulk of the Conception is brought to the surface by a salvage team in the Santa Barbara Channel off of Santa Cruz Island, Sept. 12, 2019. niece, Tia Salika-Adamic, were on board the Conception for a family diving vacation when they died in the fire. “It has to be done to hold someone accountable,” Adamic said. “But I hope it is a first step, as the owner needs to also be held accountable.” The federal charges were the culmination of a multiagency investigation of the ship’s owner, Truth Aquatics, and its crew that began in the aftermath of the 2019 blaze. As captain of the ship, Boylan had long been the target of the criminal inquiry. In July, the captain and his attorney met with prosecutors and were presented with evidence authorities had gathered about his failure to safely operate the vessel. The pressure to file charges against Boylan rose after a hearing this fall held by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that many of those trapped below deck were awake – some with their shoes on – as the fire engulfed the vessel about 3 a.m., but could not
escape the bunk room and died of smoke inhalation. That victims were awake contradicted what Santa Barbara officials had long maintained: that the 34 who died likely never knew of the encroaching flames. The indictment said that “by his misconduct, negligence, and inattention to his duties,” Boylan caused the deaths of 33 passengers and one crew member. Prosecutors singled out three violations: failing to have a roving patrol; failing to conduct sufficient fire drills; and failing to conduct sufficient crew training. The summary of alleged failures in safety protocol aboard the Conception mirrors the findings of the NTSB, which earlier this year faulted the boat’s owner, Truth Aquatics, for failing to have effective oversight of the vessel and not having a roving watchperson that would have detected the blaze sooner, saving lives. “Our hope is that this indictment leads to the prevention of boating accidents and the senseless destruction of lives
through proper precautions and training,” said Kristi K. Johnson, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s office in L.A. The NTSB determined the fire began in the back of a middle deck salon where lithium-ion batteries were being charged, but the agency could not say whether it was the batteries, the ship’s electrical system or an unattended fire source that ignited the blaze. But NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said regardless of the source of the fire, those below deck probably could have escaped if there had been early detection of the blaze by a roving watch. The agency found that a crew member sleeping in the wheelhouse atop the three-deck boat was awakened by a pop, crackle and the glow of the flames from the middle deck.
Infection: Rates From Page One Benicia (287) added one case; Rio Vista (93) added one; and there were no new cases reported in the unincorporated area of the county, which held at 40 cases. The number of completed tests increased by 721 to bring the total to 127,865. The percentage of available staffed intensive care unit beds, the standard the state is looking at before making a decision to tighten the most-restrictive purple tier Covid-19 guidelines statewide, remained at 33%. Hospitals in Solano County have set aside
other beds, not currently staffed, in case of a surge, which brings the percentage of available beds to 60%, county health officials stated. Most people who have Covid-19 experience only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. Some people experience more severe illness such as pneumonia and at times, death. The vast majority of people recover. The World Health Organization reports people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Cancel: Event From Page One Santa Hat” scavenger hunt taking place throughout downtown. Visit any downtown business, take a picture of the Santa hat inside their location and post on the Fairfield Main Street Association
Facebook page and tag that business. A random drawing for prizes will take place Dec.18andwillbeannounced on Facebook live. For more information, call 422-0103 or visit w w w. f a i r f i e l d m a i n street.com.
California Lottery | Tuesday Mega Millions Numbers picked 7, 33, 53, 61, 65 Meganumber 14 Jackpot $229M
Fantasy 5 Numbers picked
1, 14, 17, 27, 35
Match all five for top prize. Match at least three for other prizes.
Daily 4
Daily Derby
Numbers picked
1, 2, 6, 9
Match four in order for top prize; combinations for other prizes.
Daily 3 Afternoon numbers picked 9, 7, 8 Night numbers picked 1, 9, 6 Match three in order for top prize; combinations for other prizes.
1st place 2nd place 3rd place Race time
6, Whirl Win 5, California Classic 11, Money Bags 1:47.61
Match winners and time for top prize. Match either for other prizes.
On the web: www.calottery.com
Providing Quality Service Since 1996
5(6,'(17,$/ )851$&( 781( 83
21/< Excludes wall & floor furnaces
We are thankful for your business! To show our appreciation, we would like to offer you a Free Safety Inspection on your existing Furnace
URGENT NOTICE!
FREE Furnace Safety Inspection* - BECAUSE WE CARE! Each year, many families are sickened by carbon monoxide fumes leaking into the home because of cracked heat exchangers within the furnace. Protect your family by having a free safety inspection done today! Report will be given with findings, no obligation to complete recommendations. Free Inspection apply to furnaces 15 years and older only. Applies to forced air type furnaces only. No Floor or wall type heaters. Must be homeowner. Report will be given with findings. No obligation to complete recommendations. Call For Details.
“Let Our Family Keep Your Family Safe and Comfortable.” HEATING • COOLING • HOME ENERGY AUDITS • WATER HEATERS • WINDOWS • SOLAR •INSULATION Lic#719381
707-645-0734 Servicing All Brands Se Habla Español
You Can Follow Us Via Social Media? Check Us Out!
WWW.A-1GUARANTEED.COM
DR
