A federal judge has sentenced Jerry Nehl Boylan, the former captain of the dive boat Conception, to four years in prison for his role in the 2019 fire that killed 34 people off the coast of California. Boylan, 70, was found guilty of seaman's manslaughter, a felony charge of misconduct or neglect of ship officer, and faced up to 10 years in prison.
The fire broke out on Labor Day morning while the boat was anchored near Santa Cruz Island, killing 33 passengers and one crew member. Boylan was one of five crew members to escape the 75-foot vessel, and prosecutors alleged that he did not attempt to fight the fire or rescue passengers, failed to conduct sufficient fire drills or crew training, and did not set a night watch.
The victims were sleeping below deck when the fire erupted, and many died of smoke inhalation. The tragedy was the deadliest maritime accident in nearly 70 years, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Prosecutors argued that Boylan's negligence and failure to perform his duties contributed to the tragedy. US Attorney Martin Estrada stated that Boylan could have taken steps to prevent the accident, including training his crew on firefighting equipment and conducting regular drills.
The sentencing has brought some closure to the victims' families, but some have expressed disappointment at the length of Boylan's sentence. Susana Solano Rosas, who lost three daughters in the fire, held up a poster of her loved ones at a news conference and expressed relief over the conviction but disappointment in the sentence.
The NTSB investigation found that the fire may have been caused by cell phones and batteries left charging overnight, but the agency could not determine a definitive cause. Boylan's attorney has not commented on the sentencing.
The tragedy has raised questions about safety protocols and regulations in the maritime industry, and the case has sparked calls for greater accountability and oversight. The sentencing of Boylan is a reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence and the importance of prioritizing safety at sea.
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