Captain Charged With Manslaughter After 34 People Die in Boat Fire

The California boat captain responsible for the deaths of several dozen people has been indicted.  On September 2nd of 2019, 39 people including passengers, crew, and 67-year-old Captain Jerry Boylan were in the final day of a Labor Day weekend scuba diving excursion near Santa Cruz island when it erupted in flames. 34 people died from smoke inhalation, with victims ranging from a new deckhand to parents and children as young as teenagers. Only Boylan and four other crew members were able to escape the ship and survive the ordeal. It was one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent U.S. history. Following a year-long investigation, Boylan was charged with 34 counts of seaman’s manslaughter for “misconduct, negligence and inattention” by failing to train his crew, conduct fire drills and have a night watchman. Each count carries a possible 10-year sentence. Boylan is expected to surrender within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, families of 32 of the victims have filed claims against the boat’s owners, as well as the company.