Mass Casualty Response Underway at Marine for Missing Boat Passengers

Coast Guard, Other Agencies Searching for 23 Missing People

Search and rescue efforts are underway after a boat capsized off the coast of California.

The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the search for 23 people who went missing after a commercial fishing boat capsized off the coast of California on Tuesday. The boat, Conception, was carrying 39 people when it overturned near Santa Cruz Island around 3:15 a.m.

Five people were rescued from the water and taken to a local hospital. One person was pronounced dead at the hospital, and four others were listed in critical condition.

The Coast Guard is searching for the remaining 23 people with boats, helicopters, and airplanes. The search is being hampered by strong winds and rough seas.

What Caused the Boat to Capsize?

The cause of the capsizing is under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team of investigators to the scene.

The Conception was a 75-foot dive boat that was owned and operated by Truth Aquatics. The boat was on a three-day diving trip to the Channel Islands.

What Are the Chances of Finding Survivors?

The chances of finding survivors are slim. The water temperature is cold, and the people who are missing have been in the water for more than 12 hours.

However, the Coast Guard is continuing to search for survivors. They are hoping to find people who may have been able to swim to shore or who may have been picked up by another boat.

What Resources Are Being Used in the Search?

The Coast Guard is using a variety of resources in the search, including:

• Boats
• Helicopters
• Airplanes
• Divers
• Search dogs

The Coast Guard is also working with other agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

How Can I Help?

If you have any information about the capsized boat or the missing people, please contact the Coast Guard at 1-800-252-7080.

You can also donate to the Coast Guard Foundation to help support the search and rescue efforts.