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Over 30 feared dead after boat engulfed in flames off California coast Over 30 feared dead after boat engulfed in flames off California coast
(32 minutes later)
Dozens of people are missing, feared dead, after a large fire broke out on a boat off the coast of California. The US Coast Guard deployed multiple crews to tackle the blaze. Dozens of people are missing after a large fire broke out on a boat off the coast of California. The US Coast Guard deployed multiple crews to tackle the blaze which sank the vessel near Santa Cruz Island.
The incident took place just before 3:30am on Monday when the 75-foot scuba diving boat ‘Conception’ caught on fire. At least 39 people were on board, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The incident took place just before 3:30am on Monday when the 75-foot scuba diving boat ‘Conception’ caught on fire. At least 38 people were on board, according to the US Coast Guard.
Five crew members who were sleeping on the top deck of the vessel were rescued by a good Samaritan crew, however 34 additional passengers asleep on a lower deck remain missing, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Kroll of the Coast Guard told the Associated Press. Five crew members who were sleeping on the top deck of the vessel were rescued by a good Samaritan crew in a pleasure craft called craft Great Escape, however 33 additional passengers asleep on a lower deck remain missing. 
Local news outlet KTLA earlier reported that 34 people were dead after the blaze broke out on the 75-foot boat near Platts Harbor. Crews from the Coast Guard, Santa Barbara Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department and Vessel Assist responded to the incident. The fire department crews were fighting the blaze when the vessel sank 20 yards off shore in 64 feet of water. 
Coast Guard Los Angeles responded to reports of a fully engulfed boat fire off Santa Cruz Island around 5am. The coast guard responded by both air and water and nearby vessels were called to help rescue the passengers, the station reported. Local news outlet KTLA earlier reported that 34 people were dead after the blaze broke out on the 75-foot boat near Platts Harbor. The coast guard responded by both air and water and nearby vessels were called to help rescue the passengers, the station reported.
The coast guard said on Twitter: “The Coast Guard has launched multiple rescue assets along with assets from local agencies to assist more than 30 people in distress on a 75ft boat near Santa Cruz Island.”
The coast guard added that a group of crew members has been rescued, with one person suffering from minor injuries. Efforts are continuing to evacuate the remaining passengers from the 75-foot boat.
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