NewsCalifornia News

Actions

Families of 34 killed in dive boat disaster sue Coast Guard

California Boat Fire
Posted
and last updated

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Family members of the 34 people killed in a fire aboard a scuba diving boat off the California coast two years ago have sued the U.S. Coast Guard for lax enforcement of safety regulations.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed Wednesday says the Coast Guard has repeatedly certified passenger boats that are fire traps.

Federal safety inspectors blamed the ship's captain for not posting a night watchman when the fire broke out and also called for changes in Coast Guard safety regulations.

The boat's captain has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges.

The Coast Guard declined to comment on pending litigation.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Saturday

05/02/2026

Clear

-° / 57°

2%

Sunday

05/03/2026

Partly Cloudy

81° / 54°

1%

Monday

05/04/2026

Light Rain Late

70° / 52°

70%

Tuesday

05/05/2026

Partly Cloudy

68° / 53°

4%

Wednesday

05/06/2026

Clear

81° / 59°

2%

Thursday

05/07/2026

Clear

90° / 63°

1%

Friday

05/08/2026

Clear

93° / 62°

1%

Saturday

05/09/2026

Clear

92° / 65°

0%