Captain Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in California Submersible Fire

The captain of a submersible, Jerry Boylan, has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in relation to a fire that broke out on board the vessel in 2019, resulting in the deaths of 34 people. Boylan was convicted of “misconduct or neglect of a ship’s officer” under a federal murder statute and may face up to 10 years in prison. The incident occurred when the submersible, named Conception, burst into flames during a scuba diving session off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in California. Boylan and four other crew members survived by jumping overboard. Prosecutors argued that Boylan showed “reckless disregard for human life” through negligence and failure to fulfill his duties as captain. The defense criticized the ship’s owner for not implementing safety measures such as night patrols and fire drills.

According to investigators, the cause of the fire could not be determined but was believed to have originated in the aft portion of the main deck. After the tragedy, the US Coast Guard issued a safety bulletin advising restrictions on lithium-ion battery chargers aboard passenger ships. The incident has been described as California’s deadliest maritime disaster. Boylan’s sentencing is scheduled for February 8.

This case highlights the importance of following safety protocols in maritime operations and holding ship’s officers accountable for their actions. The jury’s unanimous decision reflects their agreement with prosecutors that Boylan neglected his duties, endangering the lives of passengers and crew. The defense argued that Boylan did what he could to save people before the fire overwhelmed him. The tragedy prompted the Coast Guard to address the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries on board ships, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Source .