CA Dive Boat Fire Feared to Have Claimed 34 People

Authorities in Ventura County, CA, fear as many as 34 people have perished in a boat fire off the coast of Santa Cruz Island.

According to Fox 5 San Diego, a dive boat has gone up in flames off the coast of the island early Monday morning. Initial reports indicated that the US Coast Guard launched a rescue effort after receiving reports of more than 30 people in distress on a boat at about 4 am.

The television station reported the 75-foot vessel, dubbed the Conception, based out of Santa Barbara Harbor, was on fire. The boat was on a three-day cruise and was scheduled to return today, the station reported.

Ventura County Fire Department reported 34 people died, but the US Coast Guard has not confirmed any fatalities.

According to a Tweet from the US Coast Guard, a group of crew members were rescued and one suffered minor injuries. Fox 5 reported five crew members were rescued.

As of mid-morning rescue and recovery efforts were still underway.

This is a developing story and Firehouse will provide additional details as they are available.