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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Coast Guard has announced new safety rules following the deadly blaze that sent dozens of people on a scuba diving boat to a watery grave off the California coast more than two years ago.
The rules published last month in the Federal Register were prompted by the Labor Day 2019 fire that killed 34 people aboard the Conception off Santa Barbara. It marked the deadliest marine disaster in modern state history and led to criminal charges and calls for tougher regulations for small passenger vessels.
The new rules require better boat fire equipment, escapes and devices on board to ensure a night watchman is alert.
