What caused the fatal dive boat fire off California?

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The Cause of the Fatal Dive Boat Fire Remains Undetermined, Though Safety Issues Were Found

The precise cause of the fire that engulfed the dive boat Conception and resulted in 34 fatalities off the California coast remains under investigation. While authorities have recovered the remains of all victims and indicated that smoke inhalation was the likely cause of death, potentially occurring before the flames fully consumed the bunk area, the ignition source for the blaze has not been definitively identified. The investigation has, however, brought to light existing safety concerns aboard the vessel.
Investigation Focused on Smoke Inhalation as Cause of Death

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown stated that a coroner's pathologist was convinced the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation. This preliminary analysis, pending toxicology tests, suggests that the passengers and one crew member may have already passed away before the fire reached their sleeping quarters. The five surviving crew members reported being unable to access the below-deck bunk room due to the intensity of the flames.
Potential Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny

Reports have emerged suggesting that investigators discovered safety issues on the Conception prior to the incident. Notably, these reports, citing unnamed sources, mentioned the absence of a night watchman, a role that was stipulated by the boat's inspection certificate. The function of a night watchman or "rover" is typically to monitor the vessel while others are asleep.
Vessel Recovery Underway

The 75-foot dive boat, the Conception, was located resting upside down on the ocean floor approximately 65 feet below the surface. Recovery operations were planned to raise the vessel from the seabed, which was anticipated to aid in the ongoing investigation by allowing for a more thorough examination of the wreckage. The timing of the recovery was dependent on weather conditions.

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What caused the fatal dive boat fire off California?

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