Captain Jerry Boylan of the Conception dive boat has been sentenced to four years in jail for criminal negligence over a fire that killed 34 people, making it the deadliest maritime disaster in recent American history. Boylan was found guilty of misconduct or neglect of a ship officer and faced potential multiple charges of seaman's manslaughter, but ultimately was charged with one count. The victims included a diverse group of individuals, and while Boylan did not intend for anyone to die, the tragedy left lasting grief and trauma. Ongoing lawsuits stem from the incident.
Captain Jerry Boylan, the captain of a scuba dive boat involved in a deadly fire that killed 34 people off the coast of Santa Barbara nearly five years ago, faces sentencing for criminal negligence. The incident, the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history, led to changes in maritime regulations and ongoing lawsuits. Boylan was found guilty of misconduct or neglect of a ship officer under a pre-Civil War statute. The defense is seeking a probationary sentence for Boylan, who has expressed grief and remorse over the tragedy.
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