A federal judge in Los Angeles handed down a four-year prison sentence and three years of supervised release to a scuba dive boat captain for his role in a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 34 individuals aboard the vessel. This incident, which occurred on September 2, 2019, off Santa Cruz Island, stands as the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history, sparking significant changes in maritime regulations, congressional reform, and ongoing legal actions.
The captain, Jerry Boylan, was convicted last year on one count of misconduct or neglect of a ship officer, a charge stemming from a pre-Civil War statute known as seaman’s manslaughter. Family members of the victims passionately implored U.S. District Judge George Wu to administer the maximum 10-year sentence, sharing their sorrow and anguish during a deeply moving hearing.
The fire aboard the Conception, which was anchored off Santa Cruz Island and caught fire before dawn on the final day of a three-day excursion, resulted in the deaths of 33 passengers and a crew member. Boylan, along with four crew members, was among the first to abandon ship and survive.
At the sentencing hearing, Boylan's attorney read a statement expressing his deep remorse and condolences. Judge Wu took into consideration Boylan’s age, health, and expressions of regret, ultimately sentencing him to four years in prison, a term shorter than the requested maximum of 10 years. Boylan's appeal is currently in progress.
Family members of the victims, still grappling with their profound loss, expressed a desire for accountability and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that while the sentence cannot fully mend their wounds, it is hoped that holding Boylan accountable will provide some semblance of closure and justice.
With the conclusion of the criminal case, focus has shifted to ongoing legal actions, including a lawsuit by Truth Aquatics Inc., the operator of the Conception, seeking to limit its liability under maritime law. Other lawsuits have been filed by victims’ families against the Coast Guard, alleging lax enforcement of safety regulations.
The sentencing has brought further disappointment and heartache to the families of the victims, who continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones.